Shan Masood's Test captaincy in doubt after Bangladesh's historic series sweep

Shan Masood (AP Photo)

Shan Masood admitted the future of his Test captaincy is now out of his hands after Bangladesh completed a historic 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan, with a 78-run victory in Sylhet on Wednesday.

The defeat pushed Pakistan to eighth in the nine-team World Test Championship standings and intensified scrutiny on Masood, under whom Pakistan have now lost 12 of 16 Tests since he took over in December 2023.

Facing questions about his leadership after another series defeat, the skipper said the decision on whether he remains captain rests entirely with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“I don’t want to criticise or praise anyone. Why we are not doing well in Test cricket… I will sit down with the board and discuss this. As far as the captaincy is concerned, it is for the board to decide,” Masood said.

‘I can only offer my sincere apologies’

Masood also issued a direct apology to supporters, acknowledging the disappointment of another failed campaign but insisting Pakistan must respond with clear thinking rather than emotion.

“I can understand the emotions of the people with the result and I can only offer my sincere apologies for the loss, but we can’t look at things emotionally and we have to find a way to do well in Test matches,” he said.

The 36-year-old stressed that despite the scoreline, Pakistan had opportunities in both matches and needed to reflect on where they let them slip.

“It’s never good to lose games. In both matches we had significant chances, but we need to reflect on where we lost the game in batting, bowling and fielding if we want to move forward as a side.”

Masood also praised the surfaces prepared for the series, calling them ideal Test wickets.

“The pitches were very good Test tracks. They were good for batting and had something in them for the spinners and also pace and movement,” he added.

Bangladesh create history again

Bangladesh’s win marked their first home Test series victory over Pakistan and followed their 2-0 triumph in Pakistan in 2024, making it a second successive sweep against their Asian rivals.

Spinner Taijul Islam starred with six wickets in the second innings, bowling Pakistan out for 328 while defending a target of 437.

Mohammad Rizwan fought with 94, but Pakistan’s chase ended in the first session.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the team handled the pressure better than in previous contests.

“Every player and member of the support staff contributed, and as captain I feel very proud of the team’s work ethic.”