PCB’s surprise move raises eyebrows as Test captain Shan Masood handed administrative power

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has pulled off a major surprise by appointing current Test captain Shan Masood to the post of Consultant of International Cricket. It’s rare because Masood, who is still an active cricketer but plays only one format, is set to hold a post of authority in the cricket board.

The appointment was announced by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday, reportedly during a dinner party when the Pakistan and South African cricket teams visited Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pak Test captain Masood handed administrative power

The shocking appointment of Masood as Consultant of International Cricket at PCB comes after the board recently advertised for the position of Director of Cricket. Usman Wahla was earlier the Director of Cricket, but he was suspended after the handshake controversy between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup.

Walha has been brought back and reinstated in his position , but he can now be moved to a new department, most likely to the Pakistan Super League, after Masood’s appointment.

Interestingly, the application deadline for the position of Director of Cricket has still not ended. It closes on 2 November, but as per reports, the selection process is already over. Masood will act as Consultant of International Cricket on an interim basis before taking up the role permanently as Director of Cricket.

The PCB’s official announcement on Masood’s promotion is meanwhile vague at best, refusing to clarify the Test captain’s responsibilities and how long he will be in the job. It also does not specify if Masood is expected to play the administrative role while also being the Test captain or if he is going to retire.

The PCB advertisement for the position of Director of Cricket stated 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.”

It will be extremely difficult for Masood to focus on playing cricket while also performing administrative duties of this magnitude.

Pakistan’s recent two-match Test series against South Africa ended 1-1 and their Test series is now only in 2026.