Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has called for unwavering support for his team, despite the recent series loss to Bangladesh, as the squad prepares for the Test series against England.
Speaking at a press conference, Shan Masood acknowledged the disappointing performances but emphasized that the upcoming series is a vital opportunity for the team to bounce back and prove their capabilities.
“It’s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must back our players,” Shan Masood said. “Building a strong side requires patience, and we need to give our players the confidence to perform, even after setbacks.”
Shan Masood revealed that the players were deeply disappointed by the outcome of the Bangladesh series but are fully committed to improving their performances. We’ve learned a lot about our physical and mental condition, and it’s clear that improvements are needed,” Masood said.
The Pakistani skipper was candid about the difficulties of leading a side through tough times. “As a captain, it feels terrible when the team loses. It wasn’t the ideal start, but accountability comes with defeat,” he remarked.
He noted that Pakistan must strive to match the fitness levels of top Test-playing nations if they want to compete at the highest level. “If Pakistan wants to become a top Test side, we need to significantly improve both physical and mental fitness. Our conditioning should be on par with other top teams in the world,” he said.
Shan Masood explained that the current squad for the upcoming Test against England was selected based on the players’ fitness levels. “For now, we’ve built the squad for one Test, considering the players’ fitness levels. Meanwhile, if required, Zahid Mahmood would be brought into the squad,” Shan Masood explained.