Saud Shakeel to Lead Pakistan Test Team as New Captain
As the PCB embarks on a restructuring effort, the appointment of Shakeel as captain and the potential hiring of Sarfaraz Ahmed as Chief Selector and Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach signal a significant shift in the team's leadership and strategy, aiming to revitalize Pakistan's Test cricket performance.
Saud Shakeel is likely to be appointed as the new captain of the Pakistan national Test team, replacing Shan Masood, who has struggled to lead the team to success. The 29-year-old middle-order batter has been in good form, with over 50 runs in his Test career, and his calm approach and batting pedigree make him a popular choice.
The decision to appoint Shakeel as the new Test captain is part of a wider reset in Pakistan cricket, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planning to make several changes in the national cricket setup. The PCB is also considering former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for the role of Chief Selector, valued for his deep understanding of the current player pool. Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2017 and has a decorated international career.
Meanwhile, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq is among the front-runners to take over as head coach of the Test team. The PCB has begun early planning for the next Test series, but the appointment of a red-ball head coach is not expected to happen immediately. Shakeel's elevation to the captaincy is likely to end Shan Masood's tenure as a Test player, as the team prepares for its next red-ball assignments, including a series against South Africa in October 2025.
The appointment of Saud Shakeel as the new Test captain is expected to be finalized soon, marking a new era for Pakistan cricket. With his experience as vice-captain and his impressive performance in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Shakeel is well-positioned to lead the team to success in the upcoming Test series.