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A Pakistani journalist took a brutal jibe at Test captain Shan Masood after their continuous defeats under his captaincy. Masood addressed the media for the first time since being retained as Pakistan’s skipper despite a series of defeats since his appointment last year. Notably, Pakistan has lost all five Tests under Masood’s captaincy since he succeeded Babar Azam in the red-ball format. This raised several questions about the PCB’s decision and he has been heavily criticised after the Men in Green’s recent struggles including a 0-2 whitewash at home.
In his recent press conference ahead of the upcoming home series against England, Masood was confronted with a question about his self-respect. A journalist asked Masood if he is thinking of stepping down after Pakistan’s poor performance under his leadership. While Masood was caught off guard with the question, PCB Media Director Sami ul Hasan stepped in and schooled the journalist for asking the Pakistan captain in such a manner.
Kabhi khud se khuddari nahi aati?: Pakistan journalist questions Shan Masood’s self respect
Masood endured an awkward moment when a journalist questioned his self respect after a string of losses. He asked Masood, “Aapne bola jub tak woh mauka de rahe hain, avail karenge. Kabhi khud say koi khuddari nahi aati ki 'yaar haar gaye, performance nahi ho rahi, chod ke chale jayein?) You said till PCB gives chances you will avail them. Don't you have the self-respect to call it quits since the team is losing and not able to perform?”
While Masood ignored the question, media manager Sami ul Hasan hit back at the reporter and reminded journalists to not disrespect the Pakistan captain. He said, “Pakistan ka captain baitha hai, aap bilkul sawal karein but please show respect and particularly I am referring Javed. It was not the appropriate way of asking Pakistan captain the question that you asked.”
Abdullah Shafique has better record than Virat Kohli: Shan Masood’s big claim
The Pakistan captain went on to make a big claim and said that while backing opener Abdullah Shafique, said that he has a better record than Virat Kohli. A journalist asked Masood, “Have we still not come out of this liking and disliking in the team? We are continuing to give those (inconsistent) players chances… shouldn’t (batsman) Kamran Ghulam be given a chance from now on?… Be it Abdullah Shafique or Saim Ayub, the same set of players are playing in Tests as well as T20Is.”
He replied, “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.”
