Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood defended struggling opener Abdullah Shafique, stating that the 24-year-old has a better Test record than Virat Kohli, despite recent criticism.
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has shown support for struggling opener Abdullah Shafique, claiming that Shafique has outperformed Virat Kohli. This statement comes as Shafique faces criticism for his recent performances in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh in August and September 2024.
Retained as captain for the upcoming series against England, Masood addressed concerns raised about out-of-form players during a recent press conference. He argued that it is unfair to mix statistics from Tests and T20Is, emphasizing the need for an objective evaluation.
Masood also pointed out that Shafique has played 19 Tests and statistically outperforms Kohli. He added that he would not regret supporting players who contribute positively to Pakistan cricket, even if it jeopardizes his own position on the team.
“With all due respect, I don’t think your question is accurate… I agree that Pakistan hasn’t played good cricket in 2024, but mixing Tests and T20I stats is not right. Things should be looked at objectively. You talk about stats. The other day I was reading a stat that Abdullah Shafique, who has played 19 Tests, has a better record than Virat Kohli. If I back a player who becomes a good servant for Pakistan cricket and lose my own spot in the process, I will have no regrets,” Shan said.
“If I back a player who becomes a good servant for Pakistan cricket and lose my own spot in the process, I will have no regrets.”
Shan Masood answered a question about Pakistan’s Test openers.#PAKvENG | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/ecNlKGhssN
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) September 30, 2024
Masood On The Importance of Player Support
Shafique, after 19 Tests, has accumulated 1,372 runs with an average of 49.37. In contrast, Indian star Virat Kohli scored 1,178 runs with an average of 40.62 in his first 19 matches. The skipper further emphasized the importance of team responsibility as Pakistan’s Test captain.
“When you are making a team, it is the responsibility of the team. Look, the responsibility is mine. I have to take the pain as a leader. Not just mine, but of others as well. Only then something will happen. In the end, I will be happy. If I have backed a player, and God willing, he becomes a very good servant for Pakistan and scores a lot of runs for Pakistan, and if in that process I have to give up my place, I will not regret it. If I am backing the right thing, I will always sleep peacefully. I will live my life peacefully,” Shan Masood concluded.
Last Updated on October 1, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter
