Shan Masood's Cricket Contract Upgraded From 'D' To 'B' As Pakistan Test Captain

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Pakistan's cricket board upgraded Test captain Shan Masood's contract from 'D' to 'B' category as the team embarked on their journey to Australia for an upcoming Test series.

The 34-year-old, appointed Test captain on November 15, will lead until the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, succeeding Babar Azam after Pakistan's disappointing 50-over World Cup campaign in India.

In an official statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) explained the decision to elevate Masood's contract category, stating that it aligns with their policy.

When a centrally contracted player below the 'A' or 'B' categories assumes the captaincy role, their contract is upgraded to category 'B' for the duration of their captaincy.

Shan Masood, a left-handed batsman, has participated in 30 Tests, accumulating 1,597 runs. The contract upgrade signifies recognition of his leadership role, with the board acknowledging the responsibilities associated with leading the national Test team.

The team's departure for Australia occurred on Wednesday night, marking the beginning of their preparations for the impending three-match Test series against Australia, scheduled to commence on December 14 in Perth.

Ahead of the series, the team is set to engage in a tour match against the Australian Prime Minister's XI from December 6 to 9 in Canberra.

Masood's captaincy tenure coincides with a critical phase in the World Test Championship cycle, and the contract upgrade reflects the board's commitment to acknowledging the leadership responsibilities bestowed upon the captain.

As Pakistan gears up for the challenging series Down Under, the upgraded contract emphasizes the board's support for Masood as he leads the team through the prestigious Test championship.