Shan Masood stresses dressing room unity amid concerns raised by Naseem Shah

Pakistan Test captain, Shan Masood, has reiterated the importance of unity within the squad ahead of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, starting from August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Shan shared insights into the team's leadership philosophy, highlighting the pivotal role of the dressing room environment in shaping on-field performances.

"Our main focus and what I personally believe in as a leadership philosophy—which Jason also believes in, along with all the other players—is that everything starts from the dressing room. The reason is that we spend more time off the field than on it. So, whatever we set internally will be reflected externally. We're making an effort to keep the environment good and inclusive. Our goal is to provide continuity to the players and create a dressing room atmosphere where players enjoy cricket and bring happiness to the fans," Shan said.

Shan's remarks come in the wake of a recent media interaction with fast bowler Naseem Shah, who acknowledged the difficult period the team has been through and stressed the need for the players to come together as a cohesive unit.

"Yes, our comeback wasn't great, and we can't deny that we didn't play good cricket. Criticism is part of it, and we must endure it until things improve. This is a good chance to bounce back, play better, and show up as a team," Naseem said.

In response to Naseem's statement, former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal expressed his concern, questioning whether the team had previously played with unity. He pointed out that such statements usually surface when there are underlying issues within the team.

"Naseem Shah, what he said in the press, that's a little worrying point for me. That we will have to play as one. What does it mean? Didn't the team play with unity before? Such things are said in the media when there are such things in the team. So let's see. The team management and the PCB should end this what Naseem Shah said in the media or what I heard," Kamran remarked.

He further emphasized the need for Pakistan to focus on winning and playing with intent. 

"God forbid that these things do not happen. And what the team needs at the moment is only those who can take cricket to the top level, that’s just a victory, good cricket with good intent. And this is a good opportunity for Pakistan. Pakistan has a series with Bangladesh. They should win 2-0 just like they did when they toured Bangladesh," he further added.

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed