Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah's Language Barrier Claims

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah’s Language Barrier Claims

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has refuted claims made by teammate Naseem Shah regarding a language barrier between the team and foreign coaches. Masood emphasized that Pakistan has made significant progress in improving communication, citing the successful tenure of former head coach Mickey Arthur as an example.

Naseem Shah had previously expressed concerns about communication difficulties with foreign coaches, stating that players prefer to interact with coaches in their native language. However, Masood strongly disagrees, highlighting the team’s exposure to different dressing rooms and the presence of foreign support staff.

“I think now there is no communication gap,” Masood asserted. “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 pointed out that Pakistan’s backroom staff also includes personnel from overseas, including the strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist. He believes that the players have gained valuable experience through playing in different leagues and franchises, including club cricket in England.

“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,” Masood added.

Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for the first of two Test matches on August 21. The team currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2023-25 cycle. Masood’s comments suggest that the team is confident in its ability to communicate effectively with its new head coach, Jason Gillespie, and achieve success in the upcoming series.