In a notable development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a significant alteration to the central contract list, elevating Shan Masood’s position from Category D to Category B. The decision comes in conjunction with PCB’s stipulation that any centrally contracted player, below the A or B categories, appointed as captain will automatically be upgraded to Category B for the duration of their captaincy.
Shan Masood, the 34-year-old veteran left-handed batter, was appointed as the Test captain on November 15, 2023, and this contractual promotion aligns with his new leadership role. Having participated in 30 Tests, Shan has accumulated 1,597 runs and is set to embark on his inaugural assignment as captain in the imminent three-match series against Australia.
The upcoming series against Australia, commencing from December 14, marks Shan Masood’s debut as Pakistan’s Test skipper. The series schedule is as follows:
- 1st Test – Perth, scheduled from December 14 to December 18, 2023
- 2nd Test – Melbourne, scheduled from December 26 to December 30, 2023
- 3rd Test – Sydney, scheduled from January 3 to January 7, 2024
Shan Masood, entrusted with the leadership mantle until the culmination of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, will now carry the responsibility of steering the Pakistani Test team through this pivotal series against Australia. His elevation to Category B in the central contract list not only acknowledges his leadership role but also underscores the board’s commitment to supporting its captains with suitable contractual arrangements.
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