Shan Masood Opens Up On Imam-ul-Haq’s Exclusion From Test Squad

Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood has offered clarity on the situation surrounding top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

During a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Masood addressed Imam’s omission from the squad, confirming that while Imam remains an integral part of Pakistan’s future plans, he has been rested for the Bangladesh series.

Imam’s exclusion has raised questions, especially as he also missed the previous Test against Australia, where Saim Ayub was handed his debut cap.

Masood explained that Imam‘s absence isn’t a reflection of his form or ability but rather a strategic decision to manage the squad while giving youngsters a chance in the process.

“Imam-ul-Haq is part of the plan but not part of the squad.” Masood responded to the question asking about the replacements.

When questioned about the inclusion of Mohammad Huraira and the replacement of Mir Hamza with Mohammad Ali, Masood emphasized the need to select players based on the specific conditions and the strengths they bring.

He highlighted Huraira’s consistent performance in domestic cricket and praised Mohammad Ali’s potential, which was showcased during the Pakistan Super League.

“Mohammad Huraira has been scoring runs in domestic cricket for the past three or four years.” he said.

Masood also stressed the importance of collective performance over individual brilliance, noting that while the team faced challenges during their series in Australia, they made significant progress.

Looking ahead, he acknowledged the strength of the Bangladesh team and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparation and strategy, hoping for a successful series that builds on the positives from their recent experiences.