In a decision that has left cricketing circles bewildered, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed its current Test captain, Shan Masood, as Consultant for International Cricket and Player Affairs — a senior administrative position typically reserved for retired professionals or full-time executives. The move, announced on Friday, is being described as unprecedented even by PCB’s often unpredictable standards.
PCB’s surprise announcement
The PCB’s official release did not specify the scope, tenure, or nature of Masood’s new responsibilities, nor did it clarify whether his appointment would affect his ongoing role as Test captain. This lack of transparency has triggered questions about a potential conflict of interest, given that the player now holds administrative oversight within the same setup he represents on the field.
The timing of the announcement has added to the intrigue. It came barely 24 hours after Pakistan wrapped up their home Test series against South Africa in Karachi, which ended 1-1. According to reports, Masood learned about the decision during a Prime Minister’s dinner held in honour of the visiting South African side.
Possible precursor to a bigger role
According to ESPNcricinfo, Masood’s appointment might be an interim arrangement before he is elevated to the position of Director of International Cricket — a role the PCB is currently seeking to fill. The board had earlier suspended the former director, Usman Wahla, in September, without issuing any clarification about his suspension or replacement.
Traditionally, the Director of International Cricket oversees scheduling, player relations, and coordination with other national boards — a position that requires full-time commitment and constant administrative engagement. How Masood, as an active cricketer and captain, intends to juggle both sets of responsibilities remains unclear.
Questions over dual role and accountability
The appointment has already prompted a wave of criticism and disbelief from both fans and analysts. Former players and officials have pointed out that the dual role blurs lines of accountability, especially when it involves the captain — the very individual subject to performance reviews and policy decisions the board manages.
“It’s a serious governance issue,” said a former PCB official, speaking anonymously. “No active player, let alone a national captain, should be given administrative authority over international cricket operations. It opens the door to clear conflicts.”
Despite the growing scrutiny, the PCB has maintained silence on the matter, neither addressing governance concerns nor offering clarity on whether Masood’s consulting duties will overlap with player selection, tour planning, or team management.
Masood’s captaincy under spotlight
Masood, 35, has been at the helm of Pakistan’s Test side for just over two years — a period marked by inconsistency and internal turbulence. Under his leadership, Pakistan have won four Tests and lost ten, including series defeats against Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh. The 2024 defeat to Bangladesh was particularly damaging, as it marked Pakistan’s first-ever Test series loss to that side.
However, Masood’s individual form has improved, with the left-handed batter averaging above 40 since taking over as captain. Despite that, speculation about his long-term future has persisted, with several former cricketers suggesting that the PCB might be preparing him for a post-playing administrative career — something this appointment could be a precursor to.
Governance confusion continues
The latest development adds to a growing list of controversial administrative decisions by the PCB. Frequent leadership changes, abrupt sackings, and opaque decision-making have been recurring issues within Pakistan’s cricket structure. Critics say this move highlights the ongoing instability and lack of professional boundaries within the board.
“This is not just about Shan Masood,” said a Lahore-based cricket journalist. “It’s about how the PCB continues to operate without institutional clarity. Roles are created and reassigned without process, and communication remains inconsistent.”
What lies ahead
Pakistan’s next Test assignment is scheduled for 2026, featuring home series against Bangladesh and West Indies, followed by a three-Test tour of England in August. Whether Masood will continue to lead the team, shift to a full-time administrative role, or attempt to manage both simultaneously remains unclear.
Until the PCB issues further clarification, Masood’s dual appointment stands as one of the most unusual moves in modern cricket governance — one that raises questions about accountability, transparency, and structural professionalism within Pakistan’s cricket administration.