Pakistan Test team captain Shan Masood is set to receive good news on two major fronts. According to reliable sources, the left-handed batter is likely to be promoted in the upcoming PCB central contracts. Last year, Masood faced a surprising demotion to Category D, raising many eyebrows within the cricket community.
Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering restoring him to Category B, which would put him back on par with the limited-overs captains. Currently, Mohammad Rizwan (ODI captain) and Agha Salman (T20I captain) are placed in Category B. If finalized, this move would not only improve Shan’s financial package but also reaffirm his importance to the national setup.
Strong Backing as Long-Term Test Captain
The second and even more significant development for Shan Masood is his expected continuation as Pakistan’s Test captain until at least 2027. This means he will likely lead the side throughout the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, giving him time and stability to build a strong red-ball team.
Just a few months ago, there were whispers about his captaincy being under threat. However, those speculations were silenced after a crucial meeting between Shan Masood and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Following the discussion, Naqvi not only confirmed full confidence in Shan’s leadership but also assured him of complete freedom to lead the team his way.
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PCB’s Vote of Confidence in Masood and Coaching Staff
In the same meeting, the PCB chairman extended full support to head coach Azhar Mahmood as well, stressing that both captain and coach would be given a “free hand” to execute their vision without unnecessary interference. This backing from the top is expected to boost team morale and help establish a long-term strategy for Pakistan’s red-ball cricket.
What This Means for Pakistan Cricket
The double boost-contract promotion and extended captaincy tenure give Shan Masood the security every leader needs. With financial stability and strong backing from the board, Masood now has the chance to focus entirely on improving Pakistan’s Test performances.
The timing is also crucial, as Pakistan prepares for the new WTC cycle. Stability at the top could allow the team to groom young talent, solidify a winning combination, and regain consistency in the longer format.
