Ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur, Pakistan captain Shan Masood maintained a grounded stance despite optimistic remarks made a day earlier by fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. The build-up to the two-match Test series has repeatedly referenced the previous series held in Rawalpindi two years ago, where Bangladesh secured both matches and claimed the series victory. That result also marked Bangladesh’s first Test wins against Pakistan.
On the eve of the opening Test, Masood addressed the media in Mirpur and was asked whether Pakistan were approaching the series with a desire for revenge after that earlier defeat. He categorically rejected such framing.
Masood said: “We do not use the word ‘revenge’ from our side. The Bangladesh team deserves credit for the way they prepared and played in 2024. Even when we were in a strong position—such as when they were reduced to 26 for 6—they showed the skill and capability to fight back and win a Test match.”
The Pakistan captain emphasised that the focus within the squad is firmly on the present series rather than past outcomes or future ambitions. His comments contrasted with Afridi’s earlier remarks, in which the bowler had spoken about ambitions extending beyond the Bangladesh series to the World Test Championship final.
Pakistan’s historical performance in the competition was also noted in context. Across the three completed World Test Championship cycles to date, Pakistan have not finished higher than fifth in the standings and finished bottom in the most recent cycle.
Masood stressed a step-by-step approach, saying: “The most important thing is to stay in the present and respect the situation. We are playing against Bangladesh, which is both a challenge and an opportunity. We cannot look too far ahead; we must take it step by step. Every team dreams of reaching the final and winning the trophy, but right now our full focus is on this Bangladesh series.”
He also commented on the conditions in Mirpur, where Pakistan are expected to play on what he described as a sporting surface. The nature of the pitch is expected to bring Pakistan’s pace attack into greater focus.
In response to comparisons between the pace bowling units of Pakistan and Bangladesh, Masood avoided direct evaluation, stating that both sides possess quality bowlers.
Masood added: “Their bowling attack is very strong; from what I have seen so far, it is possibly their best attack. We will not compare the two bowling units, because both sides have quality bowlers.”
He further underlined confidence in his squad composition, highlighting balance and adaptability across conditions.
“Every team has its own strengths. We assess situations based on our own skills and perspective. We have brought a balanced 16-member squad capable of playing in almost all conditions. We are very satisfied with the current squad. The aim now is to play ten days of good cricket across the two matches. Hopefully, the team that performs best will win the series.”
Key points from Masood’s remarks
| Topic | Statement |
|---|---|
| Revenge narrative | Rejected the use of the term “revenge” |
| Bangladesh’s past performance | Credited Bangladesh for their 2024 performances |
| Previous series context | Bangladesh won both Tests in Rawalpindi two years ago |
| Match situation reference | Bangladesh recovered from 26 for 6 in a Test |
| Current focus | Emphasis on present series only |
| Team assessment | 16-member balanced squad |
| Pitch conditions | Expected sporting wicket in Mirpur |
| Bowling comparison | No direct comparison between both attacks |
| Objective | Ten days of consistent cricket across two Tests |