Shan Masood became a better cricketer when he realised life’s meaning. The batter’s unstoppable run of form started when he lost his sister, which led to his selection for the T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20 series against England.
Shan learned how important life is after what happened, so he could enjoy cricket instead of being sad about not being on the national team. Shan stated at a news conference at the National Stadium on Saturday, “I thought I might never play for Pakistan, but look what happened to my sister last year.”
Then I understood life’s value. After that, I’ve always tried to enjoy playing cricket, and playing for your nation is the best. Shan played for Pakistan against New Zealand in January 2021. After his sister died in October, he ran all levels.
The 32-year-old averaged over 70 in the 2021-22 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and was a top scorer in the next Pakistan Super League. Shan then smashed bowlers for Derbyshire in four-day and T20 cricket.
Shan earned two fifties in nine games for Balochistan before joining Pakistan. Given his form, pundits and fans thought Shan’s return could have come sooner. His victims were them.
Shan never feels self-pity. The Kuwait-born southpaw knows it may be someone else’s fault, but he’s responsible. The strategy has made him adaptable enough to play any team role.
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Shan responded, “It’s about Pakistan, not me.” If I don’t perform well, it’s my fault. Even the sanctions I’ve received for poor performance are my own mistakes, and until I play, all my mistakes will be mine. “
Shan credits his progress as a cricketer to his time in England and the PSL. “It was a significant step toward making their T20 team,” he said. “The PSL was a major step forward. Performing at that level gives you a lot of confidence. Then playing the Vitality Blast and earning some runs was very essential to put my name out there.”
“It was a defining moment in my player growth.” Shan learned a lot from playing every day. “That’s how you fix mistakes and get better.” Shan believes that playing England will provide Pakistan with the best possible preparation for the T20 World Cup in Australia.
“They’re one of the top white-ball teams in the world and will challenge Pakistan,” he said. “It’s an exciting time for Pakistani players, and it’s the perfect preparation for the T20 World Cup.”
MALAN IS HAPPY WITH HIS CRICKET CONTRIBUTION
During the PSL, Dawid Malan couldn’t have imagined that he would help bring international cricket back to Pakistan. The left-hander and former West Indies skipper, Darren Sammy, decided to play in the 2017 PSL Final in Lahore. Malan: “No one knew then how critical it would be for Pakistan cricket.”
It’s a fantastic moment for me and others who were there to watch cricket return to Pakistan. England skipper Jos Buttler will miss the early part of the seven-match series against Pakistan.
Since England T20 is missing a lot of regulars, all-rounder Moeen Ali would lead a team with mostly new players. Malan said losing Buttler isn’t ideal. It gives Moeen a chance. Ultimately, it’s necessary to help unprepared players. It allows for World Cup preparation.
