The controversy over declaring the innings in the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh refuses to die down, with Pakistan vice-captain Saud Shakeel backing captain Shan Masood’s decision to declare the innings on the second day even as Mohammad Rizwan was nearing his maiden Test double century.
What is the controversy over the announcement of the innings?
Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to field first. In reply, Pakistan got off to a poor start, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. Babar Azam was dismissed for a two-ball duck, followed by Masood’s dismissal which sparked a controversy.
On the second day of the first Test match, when Mohammad Rizwan was playing 171 runs off 239 balls and Pakistan’s score was 448/6, then captain Shan Masood suddenly decided to declare the innings. This decision caused a stir in the cricket world, as Rizwan had the opportunity to score a double century.
Moreover, he could also break the record for the highest Test score by a wicketkeeper-batsman against Bangladesh, which was held by former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.
After the declaration of the innings, Pakistan did not get the result as expected. Openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan survived the new-ball spell and Pakistan faced more pressure.
PAK vice-captain Saud Shakeel’s statement
Reacting to the controversy, vice-captain Saud Shakeel said the innings was not announced suddenly or in a hurry. Rizwan was informed about the decision in advance, Shakeel said.
“I don’t think the innings was announced in a hurry because Rizwan bhai was informed long back, in fact 1-1:30 hours before he got the idea that we will declare the innings at this point of time and try to get to 450,” Shakeel said at the post-day press conference.”
The debate over the decision continues, but according to Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood’s decision to declare the innings was pre-planned and the players were informed in advance.
At the moment, Pakistan are hoping that their plan will work in the Test match against Bangladesh and they will be able to turn the match in their favour.
