Pakistan are set to play a 3-match Test series against Australia, starting 14 December. The Pakistan side will be captained by Shan Masood, who took over the team after Babar Azam relinquished the position after the World Cup 2023 debacle. In fact, Masood’s contract was upgraded after he was announced as the Test captain ahead of the Australia series.

Pakistan’s Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez backed the captain to shine in the Australia series. The former Pakistan cricketer said that it was not a surprise that Masood was named the captain of the Test side as he had been doing well in the County Championship.

“For me, seeing Shan become captain is no surprise,” Hafeez said.

“He was always ready for this role, and when you get this sort of opportunity, it shines. He’s a superb player, and as a leader, he’s got a great rapport with the players and a great relationship with the whole team,” Hafeez said.

Pakistan cricket team and management saw an overhaul after their debacle in the World Cup 2023. Pakistan failed to make it to the semi-final of the tournament despite playing in subcontinental conditions. Senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi had poor tournaments and were criticised in the Pakistan media.

This paved the way for Shan Masood’s captaincy, and the batter will play his first match as captain in Perth, against Australia.

“His experience as a captain and what he’s learned over the years – especially the couple of years he’s played county cricket – have all seen his management skills have come to the fore even more. What’s important is this is a confident unit that’s here and Shan is playing his role very well,” Hafeez concluded on the batter.