Shan Masood Removed As Captain, Appointed As PCB Director

Recurrent Shifts in Pakistan Cricket Administration

Pakistan cricket is also still marred by surprise management decisions. Experienced players are regularly dropped or recalled without any apparent reason. Leadership change of guard has become the norm, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under Chief Mohsin Naqvi is constantly under fire for controversial decisions. The Shan Masood move is the latest to shock cricket supporters.

Shan Masood's Unexpected Role Switch

Shan Masood, who played 44 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 19 T20 internationals for Pakistan, recently stepped down as Test captain after Pakistan's second series defeat against South Africa. Within days of his resignation, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that Masood would be made the new Director of International Cricket.

This appointment has been made even though PCB had only one week left before the application deadline for this post. Masood is 36 years old and replaces Usman Wahla, who was removed from the team during the Asia Cup after he had a brawl with match referee Andy Pycroft.

Background of the Appointment

There is a tendency of Pakistan Cricket Board to promote players and officials to managerial positions. Other boards prefer to keep such vacancies in reserve for retired specialists, but PCB has a tendency to make hasty appointments. Masood's appointment as director just after resigning captaincy is a case in point.

Backlash against PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi has also been criticized before by several cricket institutions. During the time the Asia Cup was ongoing, he is said to have pocketed the victory trophy instead of awarding it to the Indian team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) objected to this act, calling it unprofessional. The trophy was not said to have been handed over and remains under the control of Naqvi.

This issue may be discussed in the upcoming ICC General Assembly meeting next month. Naqvi’s handling of both administrative and disciplinary matters continues to raise questions within international cricket circles.