In a move that has sent ripples through the cricketing fraternity, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed left-handed batter Shan Masood as its Consultant – International Cricket and Players’ Affairs. This is not just another administrative reshuffle; it represents a deliberate bridge between the playing squad and the board, a fresh attempt to strengthen international operations and player relations, and a signal of trust in one of Pakistan’s prominent cricketers.

The appointment: what it is, and why it matters

On 24 October 2025 in Lahore, the PCB officially announced that Shan Masood had been appointed to the newly created role. The press release stated: “The PCB has appointed left-handed batter Shan Masood as Consultant International Cricket and Players’ Affairs.” At 36 years old, Shan has already played 44 Tests, 9 ODIs and 19 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring more than 3,100 international runs including six Test centuries.

What makes this appointment unusual is that Shan is currently a serving Test captain. He has led Pakistan in 14 Tests, including the recent ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa. For the PCB to bring a current high-profile player into an administrative/consultative role while active suggests a new paradigm: players-in-decision-making, not just on-field.

Context: Where this fits in PCB’s evolving structure

The PCB’s decision comes amid calls for better coherence between players, selectors, coaches and the board. According to reporting, the role Shan has assumed mirrors many of the responsibilities previously advertised under the “Director – International Cricket Operations” vacancy. Tasks likely include planning and organizing international tours, liaising with the ICC, negotiating contracts, overseeing logistics and player central contracts – all crucial to a modern national side.

This suggests the PCB recognises that governance and operations must synchronize with on-field realities and player needs. Bringing a player into the fold in such a way can help reduce disconnects: players feel heard, policies may better reflect ground-level issues, and the board can gain first-hand insight from inside the dressing room.

Shan Masood: From batsman and captain to administrator

Shan’s cricketing credentials are well-established. His six Test centuries and over 3,000 runs demonstrate sustained performance. His leadership led Pakistan to a 2-1 Test series win against England at home last year—the country’s first home Test series triumph over England since 2005.

Now, with this new role, he moves into a dual capacity: player and adviser/administrator. It is a rare convergence in Pakistan cricket. As one report put it, “first time a serving Test captain has been named in another position in the board.” That means Shan must balance on-field responsibilities with off-field duties: a challenge, but also an opportunity for him to shape policies, build bridges and leave a lasting imprint on Pakistan cricket.

Key responsibilities & opportunities

While exact job descriptions have not been exhaustively publicised, media outlets have highlighted several likely facets:

• Coordinating Pakistan’s international calendar: home and away tours, the “Future Tours Programme” across formats.

• Preparing MOUs and budgets for tours of national team, U19, emerging teams.

• Ensuring player contracts, centralised agreements, and welfare are properly handled.

• Acting as a conduit between the board and current squad — translating player issues into board action, and board strategy into player realities.

For Shan, this is a chance to shape the terrain of Pakistani cricket beyond his own batting and captaincy. For the PCB, the appointment could deliver greater alignment between strategy and execution.

Potential benefits and expected challenges

Benefits:

• Stronger player-board relations: When a player is part of decision–making, issues like scheduling, workload, player welfare and clarity may improve.

• Informed policy decisions: A deep-playing perspective might lead to more practical tour itineraries, realistic workloads and better preparation for overseas conditions.

• Credibility: The appointment signals the PCB is serious about modernising operations and involving stakeholders directly rather than delegating everything to bureaucrats.

Challenges:

• Conflict of roles: As an active player and captain, Shan must manage potential conflict between his on-field responsibilities and off-field tasks. Reports note that the PCB did not specify whether the consultancy role would bar him from continuing as captain.

• Time & focus: International cricket is demanding. Adding administrative duties may stretch Shan’s capacity.

• Organisational adaptation: The PCB’s internal culture and systems will need to adapt to meaningful player-involvement; token appointments won’t suffice.

• Clear boundaries: His role must have clarity to avoid overlaps and confusion with coaches, selectors or the Director of Operations.

What this means for Pakistan cricket

For Pakistan cricket, this may mark a shift in governance culture. The board’s past has featured frequent turnover of coach-selection cadres, and players often feel decisions are made without enough consultation. A player like Shan in a consultative role may help alter that narrative.

Moreover, with Pakistan’s cricket schedule getting more complex across Test, ODI and T20 formats, plus expanded domestic structures and franchise leagues, having someone who understands both board-level logistics and player realities is crucial.

It could lead to improved tour planning (less fatigue, better recovery), stronger contracts aligned with player needs, and more effective communication channels. For young players, the message is that their voices may matter more; for senior players, that their experience is valued beyond performance.

What to watch in the coming months

• Will Shan continue as Test captain? The board has given no clear statement on that yet. Dawn

• How effectively will the dual role be managed — will non-playing duties interfere with form or vice-versa?

• Will any structural changes follow — e.g., clearer player liaison offices, revamped central contracts, revised tour scheduling?

• How will domestic structures respond? Because players’ affairs also span domestic cricket and emerging pathways, Shan’s role could impact talent pipelines.

• Will the board release more detailed job descriptions and performance targets for the role? Transparency will matter for credibility.

You can read the official PCB press release here: PCB press release – Shan Masood appointment Pakistan Cricket Board

Final thoughts

The appointment of Shan Masood as Consultant – International Cricket and Players’ Affairs at the PCB is more than a headline—it’s a potential turning point for Pakistan cricket. If leveraged well, it may bring much-needed synergy between players and administration, improve scheduling, enhance player welfare and help Pakistan remain competitive on the global stage.

For Shan, it’s a new chapter; for the PCB, an experiment in bridging governance and performance; and for Pakistan cricket fans, a hopeful sign of evolution. Whether it succeeds will depend not just on the titles, but on the substance. If the board and Shan deliver on this promise, it may serve as a model for other boards seeking to give players a genuine voice.

As the cricketing journey unfolds, we will watch how this blended role of player-leader and administrator plays out. The sport in Pakistan—and the men in green—deserve nothing less than clarity, purpose and progress.

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