Shan Masood Left Out of Pakistan Test Squad for Bangladesh Series Despite Leading Run Tally

Former Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has been left out of the national squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, according to reports, despite being the country's leading run-scorer in Test cricket since January 2025. The decision has prompted debate among followers of the game, given the left-handed batter's recent form with the bat.

Masood has reportedly been told that he is no longer part of the team's future plans, with the team management said to be shifting focus toward younger players following the appointment of Mike Hesson as Pakistan's Test coach. Although the 37-year-old is not fully fit at present, his omission has still raised questions about the selection criteria being applied.

The numbers behind the debate are notable. Masood scored 95 runs in his last Test innings against England and has accumulated 773 runs since January 2025, the highest by any Pakistani batter in that period. He made 397 runs in five matches last year at an average of around 40, followed by 376 runs in six matches this year. Babar Azam sits second on the list with 720 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan follows with 643.

Questions have also been raised about the team's stated age policy, as 36-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has been included in the squad despite both players being among Pakistan's top performers. Reports further suggest that Masood's relationship with Pakistan Cricket Board officials may have played a part in his exclusion, following a meeting in which he reportedly criticised certain individuals within the board.

Masood was previously removed from the Test captaincy after a run of poor team performances. Last year the PCB also appointed him as a consultant for International Cricket and Players' Affairs, though he chose to stay away from administrative responsibilities to concentrate on his playing career. He is currently not participating in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The Bangladesh series will offer the selectors and new coaching setup an early opportunity to outline their direction for the Test side. Pakistan's cricketing audience will be watching closely to see how the revamped squad performs and whether the move away from one of the format's most consistent recent run-scorers proves justified.