Saud Shakeel, a left-handed middle-order batter, has been appointed as the new vice-captain of Pakistan’s Test team, succeeding Shaheen Shah Afridi. This move is part of a broader strategy by the selectors to manage Shaheen’s workload, given Pakistan’s packed schedule of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs from August 21, 2024, to April 5, 2025.
When the media in Islamabad inquired about the plan for Shaheen’s workload management, Saud remarked, “Shaheen can give you the details. It’s not really my area to comment on.” A reporter then reminded Saud that, as vice-captain, he is part of the leadership group. Saud responded by acknowledging this role and pointed out that the team management would make the best decision regarding Shaheen’s workload.
Saud is also set to captain the Pakistan Shaheens in their upcoming four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’, starting on Tuesday. The squad for this match includes Test players Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Saud believes this match will be an excellent warm-up for the Test series. He noted, “This four-day game will be good preparation for the series ahead. Additionally, Bangladesh ‘A’ features several players from their Test squad, making this a valuable opportunity for us.”
Following this match, eight Test probables will join the national squad, with announcements about replacements for the Pakistan Shaheens for the remaining games against Bangladesh ‘A’ to follow.
