PCB commemorates Shan Masood’s 2000 Test runs with special jersey

Pakistan captain Shan Masood celebrated a major milestone in his Test career by crossing 2,000 Test runs during a brilliant 151-run knock on Day 1 of the first Test against England in Multan.

This landmark achievement was commemorated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which presented Masood with a special jersey engraved with "Shan 2000" during a team dinner after the day's play.

Masood’s milestone knock, coming at a time of pressure and scrutiny from the local media, silenced critics and reaffirmed his importance to the team as captain.

The left-hander became the 34th Pakistani to reach the 2,000 Test-run mark, achieving this feat in his 36th Test and 67th innings, with an average of 30.35. His innings of 151 was his fifth Test century and second against England.

It also marked his first century in the format after a long wait of 1,524 days, with his previous hundred scored in 2020 in Manchester.

In his fluent innings, Masood took just 102 balls to bring up his century, making it the second-fastest century by a Pakistan captain in Tests, behind Misbah-ul-Haq. He joined an elite list of Pakistani captains—Inzamam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam—who have scored Test centuries against England on home soil.

Masood’s knock was characterized by a mix of patience and aggression, as he built a crucial partnership with opener Abdullah Shafique.

He struck 13 fours and two sixes, dominating the England bowlers and setting Pakistan on a strong foundation for the series opener.

Although he was eventually dismissed by Jack Leach, his innings provided momentum for the home side in a highly anticipated contest.

Pakistan's Test team coach, Jason Gillespie, addressed the squad during the team dinner, lauding Masood’s milestone and the players’ efforts on the opening day.

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