In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan cricket, Test captain Shan Masood has been appointed as Consultant for International Cricket and Players’ Affairs by the Pakistan Cricket Board on October 24, 2025. The appointment marks a historic first for Pakistan cricket, as he becomes the first sitting captain to take up an administrative position while continuing to play international cricket.
Historic Announcement at Prime Minister’s Reception
The appointment was confirmed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a dinner hosted for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Friday, October 24. The event was attended by members of the Pakistan team and the visiting South African squad, who had just concluded a drawn two-Test series with Pakistan.
The PCB has appointed Test captain Shan Masood as Consultant of International Cricket, a unique customised leadership position which is a first in the history of Pakistan cricket. This dual role represents an extraordinary experiment in cricket administration where an active player will simultaneously hold significant administrative responsibilities.
Timing Following South Africa Series
The announcement came just one day after Pakistan’s second Test against South Africa ended in an eight-wicket defeat at Rawalpindi, resulting in a 1-1 series draw. Masood had been joint-highest scorer for Pakistan in the series, demonstrating his continued value as a player despite the mixed team results.
The timing raises questions about whether the appointment represents a vote of confidence in Masood’s leadership or a strategic transition toward administrative responsibilities as his playing career potentially winds down.
Unclear Role and Responsibilities
Interestingly, the PCB did not share exact details of Shan Masood’s duties in his new role. The PCB declined to say whether this meant Masood was leaving his position as international cricketer or Test captain, or whether he would do both jobs concurrently, creating significant uncertainty about how this unprecedented dual role will function.
According to Cricbuzz, the decision was made by PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi at a dinner meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, suggesting high-level political involvement in this cricket administration decision.
Connection to Usman Wahla Suspension
The decision comes at a time when the PCB’s international operations are undergoing restructuring. Just last month, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla was suspended over alleged delays in forwarding key correspondence to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the 2025 Asia Cup controversy.
According to insiders, Wahla’s inaction in relaying an official letter concerning the “handshake row” between Pakistan and India during the Asia Cup led to frustration within the board’s leadership, prompting disciplinary action. Although Wahla was later reinstated, reports suggest he will now be reassigned to another department, possibly within the Pakistan Super League structure.
Potential Path to Director Role
The PCB is currently actively recruiting for the position of Director International Cricket, with applications closing on November 2. ESPNcricinfo understands it is that vacancy Masood could eventually fill, while expected to perform that task on a caretaker basis in the interim.
In the advertisement for the director’s position, the PCB had highlighted that “This is a multi-dimensional leadership role, emphasising the management of the Pakistan team, supervising international cricket operations. The incumbent’s key functions is to plan, organise, execute and oversee international tours”.
Misbah-ul-Haq Declines Interest
Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, once tipped as a potential candidate, declined interest due to pre-existing professional commitments, thereby clearing the path for Shan Masood to assume the position. Misbah’s withdrawal removed a potentially strong candidate with significant coaching and administrative experience.
Masood’s Playing Career and Statistics
Masood, who is 36 years old, brings significant international experience, having represented Pakistan in 44 Tests, nine ODIs, and 19 T20Is. His Test captaincy record shows ten losses and four wins, including a drawn home series against West Indies and whitewashes in Australia (3-0) and South Africa (2-0).
Despite challenging team results, Masood’s own batting performances as captain have actually shown an improvement on his overall career record, suggesting his individual form remains solid even as the team has struggled for consistent success.
Favorable Test Schedule for Dual Role
The timing of Masood’s elevation comes during a favorable period in Pakistan’s Test calendar. The team recently concluded a two-match home series against South Africa that ended in a 1–1 draw, and Pakistan’s next Test assignment is not until March 2026.
This extended gap provides Masood with time to establish his administrative role and understand its demands before needing to balance both responsibilities simultaneously during an active Test series.
Unprecedented Conflicts of Interest
It could also potentially raise any number of conflicts of interest, with an active cricketer looking over the affairs of players who play under him or alongside him. The administrative role typically involves decisions about player selections, tour planning, and resource allocation that could create uncomfortable situations when the decision-maker is also an active team member.
These potential conflicts represent uncharted territory for cricket administration, requiring careful management to maintain fairness and avoid perceptions of favoritism or self-interest.
Broader Context of PCB Administrative Instability
This appointment continues a pattern of unconventional administrative decisions by the PCB under chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan’s captaincy choices have resembled musical chairs over the last two years with some inexplicable moves, creating an environment of constant change that has affected team stability.
The decision to appoint a sitting captain to a senior administrative role adds another layer of complexity to an already turbulent governance structure. Critics question whether such arrangements can provide the stability needed for long-term cricket development.
International Reactions and Precedents
While player-administrators exist in some cricket contexts, having an active international captain simultaneously hold a senior board position is virtually unprecedented in modern cricket. Most cricket boards maintain clear separation between playing and administrative roles to avoid conflicts and ensure governance integrity.
The move has drawn surprised reactions from international cricket observers, with many questioning the practical feasibility and ethical implications of this dual arrangement.
Questions About Playing Future
Given the demands of what such an administrative role would ordinarily require, it can’t help but raise questions about his playing future. Administrative responsibilities typically require significant time commitment that may prove incompatible with maintaining elite playing standards.
Speculation has emerged about whether this appointment represents a graceful transition toward retirement, allowing Masood to develop administrative experience while gradually reducing playing commitments.
PCB’s Strategic Vision
The PCB sees Shan Masood’s dual role both as national Test captain and a strategic leader within the board as a way to strengthen Pakistan’s international cricket operations and ensure greater alignment between on-field performance and administrative direction.
This rationale suggests the PCB views Masood’s player perspective as valuable for improving administrative decision-making and creating better communication between players and management.
Implementation Challenges Ahead
The success of this experiment will depend on several factors: Masood’s ability to manage time demands of both roles, his capacity to navigate conflicts of interest, and whether the arrangement actually improves coordination between playing and administrative functions as intended.
Critics argue that attempting both roles may compromise performance in each, while supporters suggest Masood’s player insights could revolutionize how Pakistan cricket operates administratively.
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Looking Ahead
While his Test captaincy remains his primary focus, his new consultant role signals the PCB’s growing confidence in his leadership, both on and off the field. One thing is for certain: Pakistan cricket never has a dull day, even when it comes to its administration.
As this unprecedented experiment unfolds, the cricket world watches to see whether Shan Masood can successfully balance dual responsibilities or whether practical realities will force Pakistan cricket to revert to more conventional governance structures that separate playing and administrative functions.
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