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Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has rubbished match-fixing allegations as they gear up to host Bangladesh in a two-match series, beginning on August 21. The left-handed batter asserted that no player from their side comes on the field to lose matches intentionally.
With the Men in Green suffering two close defeats to India and the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024, some suspected the players' involvement in match-fixing. Pakistan have a history of similar controversies, with Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt, and Mohammad Asif falling prey most recently in 2010.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, August 11, Masood said the question on his integrity is non-negotiable and that Pakistan must move forward from the World Cup. He was quoted as saying by India Today:
"I can’t question anybody’s intention as you used the word match fixing. I don’t think in the current setup of Pakistan cricket, nobody can question their integrity. It’s something which I don’t agree with at all. Secondly, world cup is past now and we need to look forward. I can guarantee all our players want to win matches for Pakistan but wins and losses are there and we’re the saddest whenever we lose."
It will also be the first series for Pakistan under their new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie.
"There’s a lot to play for in the World Test Championship" - Shan Masood
With Pakistan sitting fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with two wins in five matches, Masood said they must take advantage of the home conditions in the next five Tests.
The 34-year-old was quoted as saying by the ICC:
"There’s a lot to play for in the World Test Championship. The top two places are yet to be decided, and it can still go with any side. Our effort would be to make the best use of the home advantage in our seven Tests. And obviously, even in South Africa, we can gain points and win a series, which is a great opportunity for us."
Pakistan will host England for three Tests in October after the series against Bangladesh.
