Salman Butt, a former Pakistan batsman, has sparked fresh debate about the national team’s leadership by proposing Shan Masood as captain across all formats. This suggestion comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage.
Butt Bypasses Established Stars for Masood
While other names like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan were potential contenders, Butt has placed his faith in the 34-year-old Masood. Butt addressed his views on his YouTube channel, highlighting his concerns regarding the current leadership’s approach. He criticised the lack of effective strategies and pointed to an “attitude” hindering execution, despite possessing talent.
“There is some internal conflict,” Butt said. “Players have the skills, but they haven’t been able to perform. There’s someone who prioritizes attitude over strategic planning. To address this attitude problem, I would definitely make Shan Masood the captain.”
Masood’s Experience as Captain
Masood currently captains Pakistan’s Test team, having taken over after Babar Azam stepped down following the 2023 ODI World Cup exit. However, Azam was reinstated as white-ball captain for the T20 World Cup, a decision that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Beyond international cricket, Masood holds leadership experience at the county and franchise levels. He captains Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Pakistan’s Recent Leadership Turmoil
Babar Azam‘s captaincy across formats ended after a string of below-par performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shaheen Afridi was then given a brief stint as T20I captain, but his tenure was cut short following a series loss in New Zealand. The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, then opted to reinstate Azam for the white-ball role before the T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan‘s T20 World Cup showing, with defeats to the USA and India, has reignited calls for a change in leadership.
Naqvi has indicated plans to consult with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten and former players before making a final decision. While Butt has thrown his weight behind Masood, other strong contenders like Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan remain in the picture. Babar Azam’s performance at the T20 World Cup, where he scored 122 runs in 4 matches with a modest strike rate, has also drawn criticism from experts.
Pakistan cricket finds itself at a crossroads, needing to decide on a new direction for its leadership. Salman Butt’s suggestion has sparked debate, and with the PCB set to consult various stakeholders, a decision on Pakistan’s captaincy could be imminent.
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