Cautious approach against more aggression
Aamer Jamal gets along fine with both captains. He mentioned that he used to be very close to Masood from the days when he used to play first-class cricket. This bond was initiated when he used to work as a practice bowler with the Pakistan team. He treated him well, and hence their bond grew. The acceptance of Shan Masood towards him and making him a part of the team promoted an element of encouragement that the player needed.
Azam has a somewhat defensive style. This might be because the player is always keen on the safety and stability of his team before embarking on any adventurous or dangerous move. He would generally work out a situation to ensure the team is well-secured and not in danger before any decision can be made.
Clashing beliefs
This attitude of being cautious helps in many situations and saves the team from acts or ideas that may get it into difficult or precarious positions. By focusing on the well-being of the team first, Azam helps to ensure a stable environment that can avoid fixable problems and put forward a well-placed team to handle challenges.
In contrast, Masood has an aggressive style of play. He believes in responding with force if challenged. That can sometimes work under pressure by putting pressure on the opponents’ backs and dominating the game. Shan’s style is to take bold risks and make good use of the opportunities that come his way, many of which turn out to be dynamic and exciting plays. He can ruin the opponents’ plans. His aggressive style is quite exciting to view.
Leadership contrast
Both captains have their strengths, and Jamal appreciates them for different reasons. He observed that, as captains, they all knew and understood their players well enough. They ask about the player’s needs and what the requirements of the player are to enable them to perform at their best. This gives some idea of how they could support each other. Jamal’s cricket career includes playing in three Test matches. During these matches, he scored 143 runs and took 18 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. His performance highlights his capability and contribution to the team.
Masood and Azam represent very opposite captaincy styles. They show that a team can be led and still be successful in varied fashions. One doesn’t necessarily have to be aggressive or defensive in an absolute sense; the idea is to know when to pull off the right style, which is going to maximize your chances of being successful in the match. Understanding the different mindsets of captains aids in the appreciation of their decisions.
