Pakistan named Saud Shakeel as their new vice-captain in Test cricket along with announcing their 17-player squad for their 2-match series against Bangladesh that will take place later this month. Shakeel will take over the important job of vice-captain from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
According to selectors, the workload of Shaheen will be managed within the upcoming months as Pakistan is scheduled to play 9 Tests, 14 T20Is and a minimum of 17 ODIs between now and April next year.
Before Pakistan’s Test series against Bangladesh, former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has praised PCB’s decision to appoint Saud Shakeel as vice-captain of the Test squad, calling it a good step for the betterment of future.
“First of all, congratulations to Saud. To be vice-captain of the national team is a huge honour. It’s a commendable initiative by the cricket board to groom such a such a junior player who has been leading at lower levels. Saud has been capturing since the U-19 level and has held Sindh to the T20 championship title,” Sarfaraz said.
It could be noted that Saud, who made his Test debut against England at Rawalpindi in December 2022, has played under the leadership of Sarfaraz in club games and other formats. He has a fine batting average of 60.43 in 10 Tests.
Shaheen said that it’s a positive initiative that domestic performers are getting opportunities.
“It’s a positive that domestic performers ad Pakistani Shaheens are getting opportunities. Some players have already made their place, and we hope that more will get their chance in the future. It’s a good sign that domestic performers are being valued and becoming part of Pakistan’s team,” he said.
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