Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has been appointed as the PCB's Consultant of International Cricket and Players' Affairs.
Shan Masood appointed PCB consultant International Cricket and Players' Affairs
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the appointment in unusually brief fashion, with a three-sentence statement posted on their website: "The PCB has appointed left-handed batter Shan Masood as Consultant International Cricket and Players' Affairs.
"The 36-year-old has featured in 44 Tests, nine ODIs and 19 T20Is, scoring 3,108 international runs, including six Test centuries. Masood has also captained Pakistan in 14 Tests, including the recently concluded two-match ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa. Under his leadership, Pakistan defeated England 2-1 last year, their first Test series win against England on home soil since 2005."
It is almost unheard of in this day and age for a player to simultaneously hold an administrative position with their board, and the PCB have not elaborated on the reason for the appointment.
Read more: Pakistan announce ODI, T20I squads: Babar Azam returns, 'two-elbow' spinner earns maiden call-up
The board does have a vacancy for the post of director - international cricket, which sits just below Aqib Javed's role as high-performance director in the hierarchy.
It had been held by Usman Wahla, although there have been reports that Wahla was suspended from the role following the 'handshake-gate' incident that transpired during Pakistan's Asia Cup game against India earlier this year, then reinstated, and is now set to be moved to another department.
Wahla was also named by former Pakistan quick Wahab Riaz during a controversy around the PCB's denial of NOCs (No-Objection Certificates) to cricketers, in order for them to participate in overseas leagues.
What are the responsibilites of Shan Masood's new position?
The PCB's advertisement for the post of director - international cricket, which currently remains open until November 2, outlines the following as responsibilities:
- Plan and Organize International Cricket Events.
- Preparation and finalizing of MOU for Home and International Tours of Pakistan National, ‘Shaheens’, U-19, U-16 & emerging teams.
- Preparation for International Cricket Council meetings related to cricketing matters and any other regulations pertaining to the game of cricket.
- Develop and plan logistics operations budget.
- Develop and plan International Series / tournaments budget.
- Oversee and handle negotiations, execution of contracts, and development of itineraries pertaining to FTP tours, T20, ODI and Test matches & Tour Matches.
- Servicing & Implementation of PCB’s Player Central Contract.
- Monitor handling of venue management and coordination with host associations / boards for T20/ODI/Test matches & other matches.
- Ensure enforcement of disciplinary and other policies during ICC, ACC & FTP tournaments including those relating to ICC and PCB Code of Conduct, Anti-Corruption, Anti-Doping, Anti-Racism, Clothing, approved / disapproved events and any other regulations.
- Evaluate the requirements of all Pakistan Men & Women teams (Senior & Junior) for their clothing & equipment and ensure timely delivery.
There is still no clarity on whether Masood's position as a consultant will be alongside a new director who will oversee the above, or whether he is expect to fulfill these himself.
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