LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that middle-order batter Saud Shakeel will captain the Pakistan Shaheens squad for their upcoming tour of England, set to commence later this summer.
The 28-year-old left-handed batsman, known for his composure and consistent domestic performances, will head a youthful side aiming to gain valuable experience in English conditions.
Squad Aims to Sharpen Skills in English Conditions
The selected squad comprises a promising mix of emerging and first-class cricketers. Among the notable names are Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Rizwan Jr., Aamir Jamal, and Salman Ali Agha. The tour is expected to challenge players with seam and swing conditions typical of English pitches.
The Shaheens will play matches against various county second XI sides, including those from Durham, Nottinghamshire, and Surrey, providing critical exposure ahead of future international assignments.
Coaching Support in Place
The team will be coached by former pacer Aaqib Javed, with Fazal Mahmood Jr. overseeing bowling duties and Kamran Akmal serving as the fielding coach. The PCB believes this support structure will help fine-tune players’ performances during the tour.
PCB Confident in Saud’s Leadership
The PCB stated that Saud’s recent form and leadership credentials made him the natural choice to lead the squad. His steady temperament and tactical understanding are expected to guide the young side through a testing tour.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
