Pakistan captain Shan Masood has given a strong and clear response to allegations of match-fixing against Pakistan players following their recent disappointing performances. Shan Masood has made it clear that there is no match-fixing in the current set-up of Pakistani football.
Pakistan is currently preparing for the home Test series against Bangladesh, in which both teams will play two Test matches. In a press conference ahead of the series, Masood was asked about Pakistan players’ involvement in match-fixing.
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Shan Masood says there is ‘no match-fixing’ in Pakistan cricket
Following Pakistan’s early elimination from the 2024 T20 World Cup, a senior journalist in the country accused Babar Azam of match-fixing. However, Masood Shan Masood was clear in his response and stated that Pakistan players are not involved in any match-fixing.
“I cannot question anyone’s intention when you used the word ‘match-fixing’. I don’t think in the current set-up of Pakistan cricket, anyone can question their integrity. That is something I do not agree with at all. Secondly, the World Cup is over and we need to look ahead. I can guarantee that all our players want to win matches for Pakistan but the wins and losses are there and we get very sad when we lose,” Masood said at the pre-match press conference.
“As you have said about Arshad Nadeem, he is a national hero. What he has achieved now has catapulted him to a higher level and we are very happy about it. We will be inspired by Arshad Nadeem’s success and hope to bring more glory to Pakistan,” he added.
Pakistani players have also been involved in match-fixing before. Saleem Malik, the former Pakistan cricketer, was the first cricketer to receive a life ban due to match-fixing. In 2010, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were also banned in a shocking match-fixing scandal.
Pakistan have tried to change the mindset when it comes to playing Test matches, says Shan Masood
Shan Masood also said that Pakistan will look to play a different style of cricket in the Tests. He said that it will be exciting to watch that style and that fans will enjoy watching them play.
“We have tried to change the mentality of playing Test cricket. We will try to play a brand of cricket that will bring victories to Pakistan and also make Pakistani fans happy,” Shan Masood said.
“We have tried to change the mentality of playing Test cricket. We will try to play a brand of cricket that will bring victories to Pakistan and also make Pakistani fans happy.” – SHAN MASOOD! #PAKvBAN
– Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) August 11, 2024
Pakistan’s recent form
Pakistan cricket has been in trouble for quite some time now. The team, which was once known for producing some of the best cricketers, is in a disappointing state at the moment. It was eliminated from the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage after suffering a shock defeat to the USA.
In the previous ICC tournament, Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. As a result, the team’s white-ball captain is under huge pressure to perform at his best. His white-ball captaincy is also believed to be under threat.
Pakistan is currently fifth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings with two wins and three losses so far. Their last Test series was against Australia where they lost 0-3 to the home side. The series against Bangladesh will be crucial for the Men in Green as they look to progress to the WTC finals, which will be held next year.