Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Carry PSL Form into Dhaka Test Against Bangladesh

English Translation

Pakistan cricket team captain Shan Masood addressed a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka ahead of the first Test, praising Babar Azam as the country’s premier batter. Highlighting Babar’s stellar performance in the PSL, Masood expressed optimism that the star batter would carry this momentum into the Test arena.

He noted that recent runs have revitalized Babar’s confidence, reaffirming his status as a top-tier player across all formats. Regarding the team dynamics, Masood mentioned that the presence of former teammates like Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul in the coaching staff has fostered a family-like atmosphere, as the coaches possess a deep understanding of the players' individual skill sets.

The captain clarified that there is no element of "revenge" in their mindset, despite Bangladesh’s strong performances in 2024. While acknowledging the prowess of the opposition's pace attack, he emphasized that Pakistan’s focus remains entirely on executing their own tactical plans efficiently.

Discussing the 16-member squad, Masood explained that Abdullah Shafique has been rested due to form, whereas Imam-ul-Haq’s consistent contributions were acknowledged. He observed that the grassy surface appears favorable for fast bowlers, though a final decision on the playing XI would be made after a closer inspection of the pitch. He concluded by asserting that taking 20 wickets is essential for a Test victory, expressing full confidence in his bowlers to secure the series over the next ten days.