[Watch] "Doesn't it come from within to step aside?" - Journalist hits Shan Masood with a blunt question during press conference
Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood is under pressure after losing five straight games since taking over the team from Babar Azam. After a 3-0 whitewash against Australia Down Under to begin his reign, the Men in Green were recently subjected to an unprecedented 0-2 loss at home to Bangladesh.
On the back of the recent results, there has been scrutiny on Masood and the rest of the team ahead of the home Test series against England. The frustration among fans and pundits has reached new heights, and the same was evident when a journalist presented a point-blank question to the skipper.
The journalist, identified as Javed Iqbal, asked why the thought of stepping down has not crossed Shan Masood's mind yet. The Pakistan captain was surprised at the bold question, and straightaway glanced at the media manager to potentially intervene and tackle the situation.
“Shan, abhi aapne bola ki jab tak voh mauka de rahe hain toh aap avail karenge. Par kya kabhi khud se khuddari nahi aati ki haar gaye, performance nahi ho rahi, toh chhod k chale jaaye?” (Shan, you just said that as long as you're given the opportunity, you'll avail it. But doesn't it come from within to step aside when you've been losing and the performances aren't there?)" the journalist asked.
PCB director of media and communication Sami ul Hasan had to implore the journalists to consider their questions before putting them forward. He reminded them that Masood was the captain and should be treated with respect.
“It's easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must support our players" - Shan Masood
After losing back-to-back series, and copping a significant points deduction due to a slow over rate, Pakistan's hopes of making it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final have been quashed. However, the Men in Green need results to pacify an angry home crowd, with pride being another factor.
“We are at a critical juncture as a team and we have to remain optimistic. The losses hurt, but it's important to support the team, especially during tough times. It's easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must support our players," Masood said during the press conference.
The first Test between Pakistan and England will begin in Multan on Monday, October 7.