Shan Masood responds to Naseem Shah's 'language barrier with foreign coaches' remarks

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Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has addressed the recent comments made by young pace sensation Naseem Shah regarding the "language barrier" with foreign coaches. 

Naseem’s remarks came ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, where the team has been intensively training at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium under the guidance of new red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie. 

During a recent media conference, the young highlighted players' challenges in communicating with foreign coaches due to language differences. 

“There is a language problem with foreign coaches. We need someone to translate the language. It is easier to communicate with the coach in your own language,” Nasaeem had said.

In response, Shan Masood disagreed with the notion of a communication gap, emphasizing the strides Pakistan’s cricket team has made in bridging language barriers over the years. 

He pointed out that the team has extensive experience working with international coaches and that effective communication has been well-established within the squad.

“I think now there is no communication gap. All of us have spent a lot of time in different dressing rooms. Foreign coaches have come before in Mickey's time. Mickey has come twice. Different assistant foreign coaches have come,” Masood said.

The opening batter further elaborated on the players' diverse experiences, noting that many have played in various international leagues and franchises, including club cricket in England, which has contributed to their ability to overcome any potential communication challenges. 

“Even our support staff, personnel, strength and conditioning coach, and physio, they have also come from abroad. So, I think over the years, the boys have picked a lot of things, played in different leagues, played franchises. Some people have even gone to England and played club cricket in the past," he said.

So, I think the communication gap is such a thing that has become very less now. And even in PSL, you can see our coaches come and go. And I think enough, we also have local coaches, local players who understand, and they make sure that there is never a gap in communication,” he concluded.