Islamabad( The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood has been appointed as the Director of International Cricket Operations at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to sources familiar with the development.
The announcement was made by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during an official dinner hosted in Islamabad in honor of the Pakistan and South Africa cricket teams, who are currently in the country for a bilateral series. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reflecting the government’s interest in promoting cricket diplomacy and strengthening Pakistan’s sports relations with visiting nations.
Sources within the PCB confirmed that Shan Masood’s new role will involve overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of Pakistan’s international cricket operations, including bilateral tours, scheduling, and relations with other cricket boards under the International Cricket Council (ICC) framework.
As a serving Test captain, Shan’s appointment is being viewed as a unique move by the PCB — bridging the administrative and player sides of cricket. Insiders describe the decision as part of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s effort to “bring cricketing intellect directly into the management structure.”
According to reports, the Islamabad dinner served as both a diplomatic and symbolic event, with senior PCB officials, national players, and South African representatives in attendance. During his remarks, Naqvi praised Shan Masood’s leadership qualities, professionalism, and understanding of international cricket dynamics, which he said would prove valuable in guiding PCB’s global engagements.
Shan Masood, who has represented Pakistan across all three formats and currently leads the national Test side, is known for his articulate communication and strong cricketing acumen. His appointment signals PCB’s attempt to integrate modern strategic thinking and player-centered administration into its operational framework.
The PCB is expected to issue an official statement outlining Shan Masood’s responsibilities in the coming days. While it remains unclear whether he will continue in his dual capacity as both captain and director long-term, the move is being hailed within cricketing circles as a progressive step toward merging leadership with governance.
Observers note that under Mohsin Naqvi’s chairmanship, the PCB has focused on enhancing international partnerships and improving Pakistan’s image as a stable cricketing destination following years of logistical challenges and security concerns.
