Shan Masood has endured some tough questions since taking up Pakistan’s Test captaincy from star batter Babar Azam; however, never before has any journalist been interrupted for disrespecting him the way it happened in the latest instance during the pre-series presser in the country. With Pakistan set to host England for three Tests, Masood attended the first press conference, where the PCB’s media director had to cut short the session because of one journalist’s ‘awkward question’ to the Test captain.
In a video doing rounds on social media, journalist Javed Iqbal, asked Masood, “You have said you will avail the offer of captaincy until it is on the table. But isn’t there some drive from your conscience that you have lost, aren’t performing well, and should leave it?”
To which, the Test skipper looked at the PCB’s director of media and communications, Sami ul Hasan, who interrupted the conversation and defused the tension with some stern words. He discontinued the presser and openly called out the journalist, asking him to be respectful while questioning the Pakistan Test captain.
“Thank you for all your questions and support. One last request: Pakistan’s captain is sitting here, absolutely ask your questions, but please show your respect,” Hasan said.
“Particularly I’m referring to Javed, because not the appropriate way of asking the Pakistan captain the question that you asked,” he continued.
PCB Director of Media and Communication, Sami ul Hasan, scolded Javed Iqbal, the journalist who misbehaved with Shan Masood, and asked him to show respect. pic.twitter.com/dS1lKCJHoR
— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) September 30, 2024
×
Meanwhile, Shan has been under tremendous pressure since replacing Babar as the new Test captain, losing all five contested matches. With plenty riding on his back with the approaching England Tests, Shan should pick the best XI and win this time.
Pakistan ready for England series
It was a horrid show for the hosts when England last toured Pakistan in late 2022 and won all three Test matches. While most of the players from the touring team that were there the last time are still around, England aren’t in the best of forms heading into the series.
On the other hand, Pakistan has to avenge the last time’s defeat, with the onus falling on the star players, including the captain, Babar, keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
The first Test match begins in Multan on October 7, with the second and the third starting on 15 and 24 in Multan and Rawalpindi, respectively.
(With inputs from agencies)