news

'Doesn't want to limit myself to any format or batting number' says Shan Masood

In regards to featuring on a different position, Shan said that he has experience of playing on different numbers

'Doesn't want to limit myself to any format or batting number' says Shan Masood PHOTO: AFP

Shan Masood has made a significant impact through his performances and received a lot of praise from various players including Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Hafeez, and former head coach Misbah-ul-Haq.

The left-hander delivered a sensational performance in the County Championship and has improved his overall game, silencing the critics.

Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Shan Masood opened up about his recent performances and talked about his international selection.

ALSO READ: 'Unfair not to give Shan Masood chances' Javed Miandad

"Currently, I am spending all my time playing cricket. From playing 4-day matches to T20 matches, it has been a wonderful experience and I am thoroughly enjoying my time," Shan said.

Shan Masood was named the captain for Derbyshire, and he became only the second Pakistani after Wasim Akram to achieve this feat.

"I have captained in Pakistan but there, you have a better understanding of the players and the conditions. Similarly, you have better understanding of the opposition as well. Things are different in this sense, and you have to do your homework before facing any opposition. This acts as an added pressure," Shan explained.

"Despite the challenges, I am extremely glad to be captaining the county team and this is a huge honour," he added.

Recalling his sudden meet-up with Mickey Arthur at the airport, which led Shan to join Derbyshire, Shan said that sometimes things have a way to work themselves out.

"This is a lesson to learn; sometimes things have a way to work themselves out. I had no intention to play county but here I am and leading Derbyshire, which is like a dream come true," Shan added.

ALS READ: Babar Azam opens up on including Shan Masood as a middle-order batter

Drawing comparisons between different T20 leagues, Shan Masood praised the quality of PSL.

"After IPL, I feel PSL has to be there. T20 Blast is a good tournament but there are 18 teams and each team only has 2 international players. As opposed to this PSL has around 8-9 international players in each team which makes a huge different," Shan explained.

Shan Masood was close to set a new record in county cricket but unfortunately fell short of the 1,000-run mark.

"I had no intention to break any records as my aim was to come to England and improve my overall game. It was to assess myself and get accustomed to the conditions once again. When you play well, runs become a by-product of that," Shan explained.

The left-hander praised the standards and quality of English county and said: "The biggest advantage for me personally was that the standards of English county are pretty much the same as you would find on international stage."

Shan further explained that performing for your national team is the biggest honour a player can receive.

"Playing for Pakistan is an honour and performing for the national team is bound to mean so much more. I am eagerly waiting for my chance once again and I will do my utmost best to replicate the same form on the international stage," he added.

In regards to featuring on a different position, Shan said that he has experience of playing on different numbers.

"I started my domestic career on fourth position, although it was back in the day. In PSL, I featured as one-down. Under Mickey Arthur, I also played one-down in Test matches. It is all a matter of what the team requires and I am willing to make the change in my own game," he added.