Masood is back with Arthur at Derbyshire
MICKEY Arthur has made a first dip into his extensive book of contacts to land Pakistan opening bat Shan Masood as Derbyshire’s overseas player for the 2022 season.
The 32-year-old left-hander was believed to be one of Arthur’s top targets for the county after being named their head of cricket last month, having worked with Masood for three years while he was in charge of the Pakistan national team.
He brings plenty of experience and pedigree across all formats and the fact that he is able to stay the full season is only one way he fits the bill for Derbyshire’s needs.
With Luis Reece set to miss a large part of the season recovering from shoulder and knee surgery, he will be a ready-made opening partner for Billy Godleman.
Masood has been seen mostly as a Test player for Pakistan but he is a very good white ball player too.
He has played 25 Tests, averaging 29.31. His 1,378 Test runs include four centuries and six half-centuries, which suggests a player who, once he gets in, is capable of making it count.
In the tour to England in 2020, Masood had only one score of substance but that was a hugely impressive 156 at Old Trafford.
In all first-class cricket, he has 16 centuries and 36 fifties with an average of 35.
Though Masood has played only five one-day internationals, his record in 50-over cricket is excellent, with 14 hundreds and 26 fifties for an average of 57.46.
In T20, he captained a Multan Sultans side which included Wayne Madsen to the top of the Pakistan Super League group table in 2020, losing in the play-offs, and was a member of the side that won the 2021 PSL title.
Earlier in his career, Masood experienced English conditions at Stamford School in 2009 and played three first-class matches for Durham University.
“Playing county cricket in England is something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Mickey approached me to join Derbyshire, I jumped at the chance,” he said.
“He’s perhaps been the greatest influence in my career and I’m looking forward to working with him again at Derbyshire.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and, hopefully, I can contribute at the top of the order and use my experience to help the younger players in their development.”
Chief executive Ryan Duckett added: “Shan is an immensely talented batter and was a key target for
Mickey Arthur in his plans to develop the Derbyshire squad.
“He knows Mickey’s standards and what is expected both in training and out in the middle and I’m looking forward to seeing what his experience brings to Derbyshire.”