Shan Masood Aims For ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 final

Multan: Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood laid out a clear blueprint for his team’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final after securing a commanding victory over the West Indies in the first Test on Sunday.

During a recent press conference, Masood expressed optimism for Pakistan’s future in the competition, stressing the importance of consistency and strategic planning in their upcoming matches.The captain pointed out that playing more Test matches is crucial for Pakistan’s advancement in the championship.

“We must strive to play more Test matches,” Masood said.The opening batter also responded to critics who had questioned the quality of the pitch in Multan.He urged the focus to shift away from the surface and instead emphasized the team’s comprehensive strategy for the ICC World Test Championship.

“People need to stop focusing on the pitch,” he asserted.”We have a strategy for the World Test Championship, and it’s not about the pitch conditions.

Our plan involves six series in the championship—three at home and three away. If we can consistently win at home and secure at least one victory and one draw in away series, we’ll be in a strong position to reach the final,” he added.Reflecting on his team’s approach to various conditions, the left-handed batter acknowledged that every pitch has its own challenges, and it’s important not to be overly concerned when certain departments struggle on a given surface.

He pointed out that sometimes pitches are more favorable to batters or spinners, and that is part of the natural variation of the game.

“We will continue to play with this mindset,” Masood stated.

“Appreciate our performance. If one department, such as the fast bowlers, doesn’t find help on a particular pitch, it’s not a cause for concern. Every surface behaves differently, and sometimes it favors batters or spinners. We’ve adopted a policy of playing according to the conditions, and it should be supported. Other nations do the same,” he added.

Pakistan’s spin attack dismantled the West Indies, dismissing them for 123 runs in pursuit of a 251-run target in the series opener.

The visitors started cautiously but suffered early blows when skipper Kraigg Brathwaite fell to Sajid Khan for 12 at 16/1. Sajid struck again two overs later, removing Keacy Carty for six, leaving the side at 26/2.

Kavem Hodge was dismissed for a duck, Sajid’s third victim, as the West Indies stumbled to 32/3. Mikyle Louis added 13 before becoming Sajid’s fourth scalp. Noman Ali then dismissed Greaves for nine, reducing the visitors to 63/5.

Athanaze and Imlach resisted with a 41-run partnership, but Abrar Ahmed dismissed Imlach and later Sinclair to further trouble the Caribbean side.

Abrar claimed his third wicket by dismissing Gudakesh Motie for a golden duck, and Sajid sealed his five-wicket haul by removing Athanaze for 55.

Abrar wrapped up the innings with his fourth wicket, bundling out the visitors for 123.

Pakistan leads the series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled from January 25-29.