Bureau Report
Karachi: Opener Shan Masood thinks that the team is in a rebuilding process and believes that the team will definitely improve their Test rankings.
While talking in a virtual presser from Queenstown, the 31-year-old said that the current seventh ICC Test rank doesn’t reflect the Pakistan team’s actual potential.
“There is a cycle in cricket and that cycle goes on. Not long ago we were ranked number one in Test cricket. We are in the same cycle and the Pakistan team is in the stage of rebuilding itself,” Shan said.
“Our team, the captain is young and Test cricket requires experience. I hope the series against New Zealand would be the start where we will climb the ICC Test ranking charts,” he added.
On the other hand, Shan said that the 14-day quarantine period in New Zealand could be a blessing in disguise for them as they were continuously playing cricket since July.
“Things you have been doing for so many years won’t be affected just because you were away from it for 14 days. We have been playing since the England tour, so I think this has provided adequate rest for most players,” he maintained.
Talking about South Africa’s historic Test tour, Shan is hoping that the matches will take place in front of the fans.
“It’s massive news that South Africa is touring Pakistan and it’s great for cricket in our country as it will encourage other big nations to travel here. Hopefully, fans will soon return to the grounds,” he added.
Note, Pakistan squad has been divided into two groups. The 18-member national side is preparing for the upcoming three T20Is against Black Caps while the 16-member Shaheens squad is training to take on New Zealand ‘A’ in a one-off four-day practice match in Whanganui.
Most members of the Test team are part of Shaheens as it will help them to provide much-needed information about the conditions ahead of the Test series, starting from December 26 at Mount Maunganui.
