Very first! Serving Test captain appointed to new role in Pakistan cricket board | Cricket News

In a rare and unconventional move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Test captain Shan Masood as consultant for international cricket and players’ affairs.This is the first time that a serving Test captain has been given an administrative role on the board while continuing to lead the national team in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.The appointment was announced by PCB on Friday.The decision follows the PCB’s recent announcement for the post of Director of Cricket, with the deadline for applications being November 2. Shan has reportedly expressed interest in the role, which is described as a “multi-dimensional leadership position”, focused on team management and oversight of Pakistan’s international cricket operations.Masood, 36, has represented Pakistan in 44 Tests, nine ODIs and 19 T20Is, scoring 3,108 international runs, including six Test centuries. He captained Pakistan in 14 Tests, including the recent two-match WTC series against South Africa. Under his leadership, Pakistan also beat England 2-1 last year, marking their first Test series victory against England at home since 2005.Former captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq had been considered for the administrative position but reportedly declined due to existing commitments.This announcement comes amid wider controversies surrounding the PCB. Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen recently responded defiantly to a legal notice from the board accusing him of violating terms of the 10-year franchise agreement. The notice threatened termination of the contract and a lifetime ban from owning cricket teams unless Tareen issued a public apology for his criticism of the PSL management.“It is scandalous that the PCB management treats constructive criticism as a crime. This demonstrates the pettiness of the current leadership and clearly shows that the PSL is not open to questions or accountability,” the franchise said.

Tareen then posted a video on X tearing up the notice and criticizing the PCB for its lack of direct communication.Masood’s dual role, combining active captain and administrative authority, has sparked a debate on governance and decision-making within Pakistan cricket.