Summary:

Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood advocates for more Test matches, citing a rare and packed season ahead.
Pakistan will play a total of nine Test matches over the next four months, starting with a series against Bangladesh.
The team faces challenges with scheduling gaps and aims to solidify their home advantage amid varying conditions.

Pakistan’s Test cricket captain Shan Masood has called for an increase in Test matches as the team prepares for an unusually busy season. The team is set to begin a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on August 21, with a total of nine Tests scheduled in the next four months. This marks a rare opportunity, as Pakistan last played more Tests in a single season over 25 years ago, in the 1998-99 season.

Masood’s call for more frequent Test matches highlights the challenges posed by long breaks between series. Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures include additional Tests against England, West Indies, and a series in South Africa. The team’s last Test match was in Sydney at the beginning of the year, and there won’t be another series until October 2024, following the West Indies series. This intermittent scheduling has hindered Pakistan’s progress, causing a significant gap with cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, and England.

In an interview on the PCB podcast, Masood expressed his concerns about the irregular Test schedule and its impact on the team’s development. He emphasized the need for consistent play and better scheduling to help Pakistan close the gap with the leading teams. The captain also noted that while domestic cricket is well-supported, the national team’s performance is affected by the sporadic nature of Test fixtures.

Pakistan’s Test squad for the Bangladesh series is notably fast-bowler heavy, with only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. This decision reflects a strategic choice based on past successes and current squad limitations. The team’s approach to home conditions has been inconsistent, leading to mixed results in recent series. The appointment of Tony Hemming as curator will be crucial in improving pitch conditions and supporting Pakistan’s home advantage.

Masood’s tenure as Test captain began with a challenging tour to Australia, where Pakistan faced a series whitewash. Despite some competitive performances, the team struggled on lifeless pitches. As they approach the new season, Masood stresses the importance of finding an effective strategy that suits their style and conditions at home.

The upcoming series against Bangladesh is also a significant test for Jason Gillespie, who will be making his debut as Pakistan’s Test coach. Gillespie, along with Masood, is focused on balancing player workload and maintaining team performance across formats. Managing player availability and balancing domestic and international commitments will be key challenges for the team moving forward.

As Pakistan gears up for this intensive season of Test cricket, Masood’s appeal for more matches underscores a broader desire for consistency and growth in the national team’s performance on the global stage.