"Not a proactive leader like Pakistan's greats", former England legend questions Shan Masood's captaincy

Lloyd critiqued Masood's approach, describing him as a "reactive captain" rather than a proactive one

PHOTO: AFP

Former England cricketer and renowned commentator David Lloyd has recently voiced his concerns about current Test skipper Shan Masood’s leadership qualities, drawing comparisons to Pakistan’s iconic captains of the past.

In an interview with a local sports platform, Lloyd critiqued Masood's approach, describing him as a "reactive captain" rather than a proactive one, which he believes is necessary when facing aggressive teams like England, especially under the leadership of Ben Stokes.

"Shan Masood is a reactive captain, not a proactive captain," Lloyd stated. "I have seen his captaincy for Yorkshire. He is not like Pakistan's former captains Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, or Misbah-ul-Haq."

The 77-year-old's critique arrives as Pakistan is set to face a formidable England side, known for their aggressive 'Bazball' style of play under Stokes. With England’s relentless push for dominance, the former legend suggests that a captain needs to anticipate and counteract the opposition's moves, staying one step ahead.

In his view, Shan Masood lacks that proactive spark, a trait that defined Pakistan's legendary captains of yesteryears.

"Playing against Bazball you have to be proactive because Stokes would try to push them back and you should be proactive. I am not sure Shan Masood is that sort of person. It's my view," he said.

It is worth noting that Shan Masood was appointed Pakistan’s Test captain after Babar Azam stepped down following the ODI World Cup in 2023. His tenure so far has been anything but smooth, with Pakistan facing heavy defeats in both his series as captain.

His first assignment came against Australia in late 2023, where Pakistan suffered a crushing 3-0 whitewash defeat in a three-match series. This was followed by another disheartening loss, a 2-0 defeat in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home.

Despite these setbacks, Masood remains at the helm of the Pakistan Test side as they prepare for their next major challenge: a three-match home Test series against England starting on 7th October in Multan.

Pakistan squad for first Test against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan, England Test series schedule: