Is Saud Shakeel Ready to Lead Pakistan Shaheens on England Tour?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saud Shakeel appointed as captain for the tour.
- Includes experienced players to mentor the young squad.
- Focus on domestic performance with notable call-ups.
- Training camp in Karachi before departure.
- Multi-format matches against England.
Lahore, July 11 (NationPress) The Pakistan Shaheens are gearing up for an exciting tour of England later this month, with middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel appointed as the captain of an 18-member squad.
This team will compete in two three-day matches and three 50-over games from July 17 to August 6, as part of an essential developmental tour designed to provide valuable exposure to the nation’s most promising emerging cricketers.
Shakeel, who has played in 19 Test matches for Pakistan, will bring crucial experience to the lineup. He is accompanied by three other capped players — left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, fast bowler Musa Khan, and offspinner Sajid Khan — all of whom are expected to play vital roles in guiding the young squad during this multi-format assignment.
The composition of the squad underscores a strong focus on domestic performance. Azan Awais and Maaz Sadaqat, the top two run-scorers from the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, have received national A team call-ups in recognition of their excellent form.
Their consistent performances in the first-class arena have not gone unnoticed, and this tour offers them an ideal platform to demonstrate their skills in international conditions.
Allrounder Mubasir Khan and wristspinner Faisal Akram, both well-known figures in domestic and youth cricket, also find places in the squad. Faisal, who has experience with Pakistan U-19 and the PSL franchise Multan Sultans, adds diversity to the spin attack alongside Sajid and left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz.
Ubaid Shah, the younger sibling of Pakistan pace sensation Naseem Shah, will head the pace attack alongside Mushtaq Ahmed and Shahid Aziz. This tour will serve as a significant test of their capabilities in the seaming conditions of England.
Prior to their departure on July 16, the squad will participate in a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi. The support staff includes Imran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), and Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), who will oversee the preparations.
Pakistan Shaheens squad:
Saud Shakeel (capt), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, and Ubaid Shah.
Support staff:
Imran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach)