Skipper Shan Masood Aims to Build Positive Team Environment for Upcoming Test Series

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood emphasizes creating an enjoyable dressing room atmosphere ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh. The series marks new coach Jason Gillespie's first assignment. The first match starts on August 21 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second from August 30 to September 3.

Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood emphasized the importance of fostering a positive environment in the dressing room ahead of their two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Speaking on Tuesday, Masood expressed his desire for players to enjoy cricket and contribute to a better team atmosphere.

The series will kick off on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking the first assignment for new Test coach Jason Gillespie. The second Test is scheduled to be played from August 30 to September 3.

During the pre-match press conference, Masood highlighted the team's efforts to improve the internal environment. '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,' he said. He added that his leadership philosophy, which is shared by Jason Gillespie and the team, focuses on the internal environment.

'Our main focus and what I personally believe in as a leadership philosophy 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,' Masood stated. On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the playing eleven for the first Test match against Bangladesh.

Pakistan's pace attack for the match includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali. The playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh consists of Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)