A day after Iftikhar Ahmed blamed Pakistan media for spoiling the atmosphere for lauding or bashing a player after just one innings, a journalist disrespected Test captain Shan Masood in the press conference. The journalist questioned Masood’s self respect saying whether he feels that he should leave the game after disappointing performances.
"(Aapne bola jub tak woh mauka de rahe hain, avail karenge. Kabhi khud say koi khuddari nahi aati ki 'yaar haar gaye, performance nahi ho rahi, chod ke chale jayein?) You said till PCB gives chances you will avail them. Don't you have the self-respect to call it quits since the team is losing and not able to perform?” asked the journalist.
Masood who was smiling a moment before was caught off-guard by the harsh question and looked toward Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director Sami ul Hasan. Masood did not respond to the question and Hasan stepped in to school the journalist asking him to show respect for the captain.
"Pakistan ka captain baitha hai, aap bilkul sawal karein (Pakistan captain is sitting, you can definitely ask questions). But please show respect...It was not the appropriate way of asking the Pakistan captain the question that you asked," Hasan said as he cut-short the press conference.
Masood’s poor run in recent times
Masood has not been in good form of late. He scored 105 runs from four innings against Bangladesh in the two-Test series they lost in Rawalpindi. In the inaugural edition of Pakistan's One Day Domestic Cup, he scored 102 runs from four innings for Stallions.
Pakistan’s win drought at home
Pakistan are currently placed eighth in the current World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 table with five losses from seven games. Their next challenge at home will be the three-Test series against England starting on October 7 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh have not won a Test match at home in the last 10 games. Also, Pakistan are yet to win a Test under Masood’s captaincy. Before the Bangladesh series, they faced a series whitewash on Australia tour.
