Can #ShanMasood Sustain His Captaincy?

#ShanMasood, Pakistan’s Test captain, has been under fire since the embarrassing 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first match of the two-Test series in Rawalpindi. Here’s a look at whether or not the 34-year-old can sustain his captaincy.

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#ShanMasood Has A Mountain To Climb

The forecast for the second Test, also scheduled in Rawalpindi, isn’t very encouraging. As a result, there is a strong possibility that the Green Shirts will lose a Test series against Bangladesh for the first time. Worse still, unless a miracle occurs, this likely loss is set to happen on home turf. Therefore, it is obvious that in terms of sustaining captaincy, Shan has a mountain to climb!

Read: #PAKvsBAN Test Highlights the Decline of Pakistan Cricket

What If #ShanMasood Manages To Survive?

Even if Shan survives following the series against Bangladesh, Pakistan will face three Test matches against England next. The fact that the series is scheduled to be played at home provides no relief, as England, during their last tour, beat the men in green 3-0. They are a superior side, and defeating them will undoubtedly be an extremely difficult challenge for any skipper. So, even if Shan survives after the home series against Bangladesh, there is a good probability that he will not be able to continue for too long.

Read: Why Rizwan Should Replace Babar Azam As Pakistan Captain

And, It’s Just Not The Captaincy! 

Shan’s own performance as a team player is nothing to write home about. So, it’s not just his captaincy but also his place in the team that he must sustain. Given the situation, it is highly likely that Shan’s tenure as the country’s Test captain is in serious danger and that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may not continue with him after the home series against Bangladesh.