I’m still treated as a leader despite being sacked as captain, says Shan

Multan Sultans’ opener Shan Masood has delivered some exceptional performances in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) seventh edition.

The 32-year-old’s performances have come as a revelation for the franchise and in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Shan opened up about the reasons behind the success.

“I am not thinking too much about things. I am just assessing the situation on the ground and taking things ball-by-ball. I would like to compliment Mohammad Rizwan and highlight the importance of having a good partner alongside with whom you can run between the wickets, communicate to, and build an innings with,” Shan said.

Mohammad Rizwan has become a fan-favourite ever since he delivered remarkable performances on the international stage. His opener partner for Multan, Shan, spoke highly of the T20 Cricketer of the year.

“Rizwan, as a player, is already ranked number one. Rizwan, as a person, is also number one. I have known him and played alongside him from the junior level and we have a very good understanding. I have learned a lot from him and I hope he sees some positive in me too,” Shan explained.

Shan was sacked as Multan’s captain despite leading the team to its first-ever final. However, Shan said that it is not a huge deal to him.

“I don’t think too much about captaincy because that is something which comes and goes. I have represented Multan Sultans from the very beginning and I want to show my loyalty to the franchise. I consider myself a true professional and if I have to give 100 percent for a captain like Rizwan then I will try my utmost best to not only uphold his expectations but exceed them in any way in which he demands,” said the left-hander.

The opening batter later explained how Multan Sultans has helped him groom as a cricketer as he spoke highly of the management and the supporting staff members.

“Multan will always remain close to my heart because they have helped me develop as a player; they made me captain at a point when even I wasn’t convinced. They showed faith and have always helped me grow as a cricketer. From their management to leadership, to player; I am thankful to all of them and I will continue to perform for them,” Shan said.

Shan spoke highly of the dressing room culture and said that he has always enjoyed being a part of Multan’s dressing room.

“The foundation is laid with how things are in the dressing room and all of it starts with the ownership, the management, and then the players. Leaders include the owners, franchise managers, the management includes the head coach, analysts, supporting staff, and the captain. In the end, there comes the players. The dressing room culture is established once all three parties are on the same page.”

“Personally, I have always enjoyed the Sultans’ dressing room culture. For instance, when I was sacked from captaincy last year, I was still treated as a leader. There was immense support provided to me. I was asked about my opinion on things and this treatment is important for not only me but for all the players. Sultans have always emphasised on focus on the individual relationships with players and ensuring everyone is looked after,” Shan explained in detail.

Multan Sultans suffered their first defeat of HBL PSL 7 against Lahore Qalandars. Speaking about that, Shan said that it was a good learning curve.

“Lahore Qalandars outperformed us in all three departments. We tried our best but whenever we got close, Lahore did something to take an edge. We were not complacent but it was definitely a learning curve for us and it is good to have this reality check before the knockout stage,” he said.

Although only a limited crowd is currently allowed in the stadium, Shan said that he felt delighted with the response of the spectators.

“Sports and cricket are such a thing which unites everyone. Our prayers are always that the grounds are always full. When we played Lahore, even though it was their home crowd, the spectators supported us whenever we did something well and that is an extremely encouraging sign. I hope the Covid situation improves because stadiums such as Multan, Quetta, Peshawar also deserve action and I hope PSL is played in those cities as well,” Shan concluded.