Haven’t gotten enough chances, laments Shan Masood

Shan Masood, the Pakistan left-handed batsman, made his debut way back in 2013. But he has been in and out of the team. In 15 Tests and five ODIs, his average is in the 20s, something which shows that he hasn’t lived up to potential in the limited chances. Earlier this year, the southpaw made his comeback in Test cricket after over a year and turned up with two half-centuries in trying conditions.

The 29-year-old also forayed into ODI cricket before the World Cup versus Australia in the UAE. Recently, he got a breather as he was included in Category C in the list of contracted players for the 2019-20 season. Masood has his goals set for the future and wishes to perform for his nation. However, he is upset by the fact that he hasn’t gotten enough opportunities to show his mettle at the highest level.

I’m just focusing on my performance

“I always try to play and perform for my country. But I can’t say that I have been given enough chances,” Masood was quoted as saying by Geo Super after a training session of pre-season fitness camp at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The camp is being headed by former cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq, who’s also in contention to become Pakistan’s next head coach.

“It is the first time that such a high-profile pre-season camp has been organised, focusing on the fitness and skills of the players and enabling them to get into the required mental and physical shape before the domestic season,” the Kuwait-born added. The camp will end on September 7.

Of late, there have been reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may relieve Sarfaraz Ahmed as the Test captain. Masood is one of the names that has come to the fore for the role. But Masood doesn’t wish to clutter his mind with the same and rather wants to focus on his performances. “I don’t think there is anything like that. At the moment I’m just focusing on my performance,” he added.

Safety should always be the first priority

Shan Masood also talked about the importance of wearing protective gears and understands the vitality of safety. A few days ago, at the Lord’s, Steve Smith was hit around the neck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer after which the former was ruled out midway due to concussion. Smith also missed the third Test at the Headingley in Leeds.

“If a player wears protective gear then it does not mean that he is scared. Safety should always be the first priority. The ICC has taken many steps to ensure the safety of the players. The sport has evolved since the tragic death of Australia’s Phil Hughes,” Masood stated.

Watch – 10 Expensive cars owned by Indian cricketers