Shan Masood urges calm approach after Pakistan’s Test defeat

English Translation

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood, responding to strong criticism after the defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh, has urged fans and analysts to avoid panic and instead take an objective look at the team’s performance.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Dhaka, he said that accountability is necessary after a defeat and every player must take responsibility, but blaming a single individual is not the right approach. The overall performance of the team should be evaluated.

Shan Masood described the loss in the first Test as disappointing, noting that at one stage the match appeared to be heading towards a draw before the situation shifted.

The captain, who has been leading the Test side since December 2023, said he would not make excuses, but emphasized that Pakistan has been playing Test cricket after long gaps, which affects consistency and rhythm.

He added that after the West Indies series last year there was a long break, followed by a series against South Africa, and now another gap of several months before the Bangladesh tour, factors that cannot be ignored.

Masood further stated that simply changing the team, dropping players, or introducing youngsters is not a complete solution to the problems facing the side.