NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Test captain Shan Masood as the consultant for international cricket and players' affairs.

This marks the first instance of a serving Test captain being entrusted with an additional role within the board. The PCB made the announcement on Friday night, confirming Shan's new dual responsibility.

There was however no mention about whether Shan will also take over as director of international cricket operations once he is done leading the national team in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The PCB has advertised the post and last date for applying is November 2.

Earlier, the PCB had asked Shan to become the new director of international cricket operations while will also continuing to lead the team in the WTC cycle.

A source said on Friday, after discussions within the board, that there was a clear consensus that Shan was the best man to lead the international cricket affairs department.

Masood, 36, has represented Pakistan in 44 Tests, along with nine ODIs and 19 T20Is. While Misbah-ul-Haq was widely seen as the frontrunner for the role, it is Masood who has been handed the responsibility.

His appointment comes at a time when Pakistan's Test calendar remains relatively sparse - the team recently concluded a two-match home series against South Africa, and their next red-ball assignment is scheduled for March in Bangladesh, following the T20 World Cup.

In its recent advertisement for the post, the PCB said, "This is a multi-dimensional leadership role, emphasising the management of the Pakistan team, supervising international cricket operations. The incumbent's key functions is to plan, organise, execute and oversee international tours."