KARACHI: Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan’s Test cricket team, has articulated his aspirations and strategic vision with the aim of steering the national squad to the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) spanning from 2023 to 2025.
In an exclusive interview with Wisden Cricket Monthly, Masood expressed his fervent desire to lead Pakistan in a Test match against their arch-rivals, India, regardless of the location or significance of the encounter.
Reflecting on the potential of an India-Pakistan Test match, Masood remarked, “Whether it’s in Pakistan, India, or even at the Ahmedabad ground, or perhaps in a neutral venue, I firmly believe that an India vs. Pakistan fixture could fill any stadium across the globe. It would be remarkable.”
He further emphasized the significance of facing top-tier teams like India in Test cricket, citing the recent enthralling series between India and England as evidence of India’s prowess. Masood expressed his eagerness for the revival of the historic rivalry between the two nations within the framework of the World Test Championship.
While acknowledging the current standings where India leads the WTC table with an impressive win percentage, Masood highlighted Pakistan’s position and the requisite efforts needed to bolster their standing in the championship. He stressed the importance of performing well in upcoming series, both at home and abroad, to enhance their chances in the championship.
Despite the challenges, Masood remains optimistic about Pakistan’s prospects and is hopeful for the potential culmination of this rivalry in a World Test Championship final. He underlined the need for strategic planning and consistent performance as they prepare for future matches.
It’s notable that as of now, India leads the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, while Pakistan holds the fourth position, with both teams gearing up for the challenges ahead.
