'Whatever we set internally will be reflected externally' - Shan Masood hopes to create air of security in Pakistan dressing room after Naseem Shah's concerns

Shan Masood didn't have an ideal start to his captaincy career as Pakistan were whitewashed in a three-match Test series in Australia earlier this year. However, the southpaw is eager for redemption and has his sights set on improving the dressing room atmosphere in unison with new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie.

Previously, Naseem Shah admitted that Pakistan have been going through a lean patch and also stressed the importance of the players having each other's back at all times. Speaking along similar lines, Masood opined that a healthy atmosphere inside the dressing room will enable the team to put in strong performances on the field.

Pakistan are set to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series. The first encounter gets underway on Wednesday, August 21, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Also Read: Second Pakistan versus Bangladesh Test shifted from Karachi to Rawalpindi

"Our main focus and what I personally believe in as a leadership philosophy—which Jason also believes in, along with all the other players—is that everything starts from the dressing room. The reason is that we spend more time off the field than on it. So, whatever we set internally will be reflected externally,” Masood said in the press conference before the opening Test.

“We're making an effort to keep the environment good and inclusive. Our goal is to provide continuity to the players and create a dressing room atmosphere where players enjoy cricket and bring happiness to the fans,” Masood added.

Pakistan and Bangladesh will be returning to action for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. While Bangladesh made it to the Super Eight stage, Pakistan were ousted in the first round after suffering defeats to India and the USA.

Also Read: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Match Preview, 1st Test

The impending two-match series between the two Asian nations is a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle. Pakistan are placed at No. 6 on the points table, while Bangladesh are struggling at No. 8, just above bottom-placed West Indies.