Saud Shakeel

Saud Shakeel is a Pakistani cricketer who has made a significant impact in the world of international and domestic cricket. He is renowned for his elegant batting style, remarkable technique, and ability to anchor an innings. Saud Shakeel made his international debut for the Pakistan cricket team in July 2021 and has since become a valuable asset for his country, particularly in the longer formats of the game. Saud Shakeel's cricketing journey began in Karachi, where he was born and spent much of his early life in the Sagheer Centre of the Federal B. Area. His introduction to the sport came through Azam Khan, the then-manager of Quetta Gladiators, who identified his talent and potential. Saud was in sixth grade at The Crescent Academy when Azam Khan introduced him to various cricket academies, eventually leading him to practice sessions with established cricketers like Rumman Raees, Anwar Ali, and Tabish Khan.

Saud's association with the Pakistan Cricket Club and mentorship from international cricketers such as Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq played a pivotal role in his development as a cricketer. His journey from Karachi to international cricket is a testament to his determination and dedication.

Saud Shakeel made his first-class debut on October 26, 2015, during the 2015–16 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He represented various teams throughout his domestic career, and his performances did not go unnoticed. He was the leading run-scorer for Pakistan Television in the 2017–18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and continued to impress with the bat. In April 2018, Saud was named in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's squad for the 2018 Pakistan Cup. He consistently showcased his batting prowess, becoming the top run-scorer for Pakistan Television in the 2018–19 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

His performances in domestic cricket earned him recognition on the national stage. In December 2018, Saud Shakeel was selected for Pakistan's team in the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. He continued to be a consistent performer and was shortlisted as one of the Domestic Cricketers of the Year for the 2020 PCB Awards.
Saud Shakeel's remarkable domestic performances finally earned him a place in Pakistan's international squad. In January 2021, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their series against South Africa. Although he was initially ruled out of the One Day International (ODI) matches against South Africa due to injury, his journey in international cricket was well underway. In June 2021, Saud was named in Pakistan's Test and ODI squads for their tours of the West Indies and England. His ODI debut came on July 8, 2021, when he represented Pakistan against England. Over time, he established himself as a valuable asset in Pakistan's limited-overs cricket. Saud Shakeel's international journey continued with his inclusion in Pakistan's Test squad for various series, including against Bangladesh, Australia, and Sri Lanka. He made his maiden century in Test cricket in the second Test against New Zealand, an innings that played a crucial role in Pakistan's performance.

In September 2023, Saud was named in Pakistan's squad for the Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, further solidifying his status as a prominent member of Pakistan's cricketing setup. His performances and consistency as a middle-order batsman have made him a vital asset to the team.