Shan Masood issues official statement on Naseem Shah’s comments on unity in Pakistan dressing room

As Pakistan prepares for its two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Test captain Shan Masood is stressing the importance of fostering an atmosphere of support and inclusion within the national team.

Masood said that he and head coach Jason Gillespie are more focused on creating a positive environment in the Pakistan cricket team’s dressing room as they feel it is crucial to improve the team’s performance on the field.

Shan Masood focuses on dressing room atmosphere to boost Pakistan’s performance

The Test captain believes that a team’s success is deeply linked to the morale and unity within the team. Reflecting on his leadership approach, Masood highlighted that Pakistan’s team dynamics off the field have a direct impact on their performance on the field.

His aim is to ensure that players feel safe, valued and welcomed, which he believes will lead to better results on the pitch. Masood’s approach involves not only maintaining a positive atmosphere but also ensuring that players have a sense of continuity and enjoyment in their roles.

Furthermore, the Pakistan captain revealed that he is working towards creating an atmosphere where players not only perform to the best of their abilities but also contribute to a joyful and engaging cricket experience for fans.

Our effort is to keep the dressing environment cool and calm: Masood

Shan Masood said at the pre-match press conference: “Our main focus and what I personally believe in as a leadership philosophy (which Jason also believes in, along with all the other players) is that everything starts in the locker room. Our endeavour is to maintain a cool and calm atmosphere in the locker room. Our aim is to make all the players feel welcome. That is why we spend more time off the field than on it.”

Masood added: “So, whatever we put in place internally will be reflected externally. We are making an effort to maintain a good and inclusive environment. Our aim is to provide constant opportunities to the players and create an environment in the dressing room where players enjoy cricket, get positive results and bring happiness to the fans.”

It’s a team game, not an individual’s game: Masood on captain’s role in team’s success

On the other hand, the 34-year-old stressed the importance of teamwork, saying that while a captain must set a good example, the essence of the game lies in the team aspect rather than individual performance.

He said the most important thing is the collective performance of the team, how they respond in different situations and what defines their identity and strategic focus as a unit, not just the performance of the captain.

Masood further explained: “I think it is very important for the leader to lead by example, but at the end of the game it is a team game, not an individual game, so what matters is how we play and respond as a team and what is our identity and model as a team.”

Pakistan captain confirmed that Imam-ul-Haq is part of the team’s plan but has been rested for the Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on Wednesday, August 21 in Rawalpindi, which also hosts the second and final Test from August 30.