Tag: Saud Shakeel

Pakistan batter and Quetta Gladiators skipper Saud Shakeel has revealed the secret behind his consistency, an intense training regime that sees him face anywhere between 600 to 1000 balls daily.

Speaking in an exclusive chat with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Saud opened up about his approach to practice and preparation, regardless of the format.

“Everyone has their own practice routine, but I try to train in a way that is effective and brings improvement,” Saud shared.

“I love batting and spend a lot of time doing it. No matter the format, I practice intensely.

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“I face 600 to 1,000 balls every day, and I have found that this routine is extremely beneficial.”

Leading Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing PSL 10, Saud’s leadership has had a positive impact on the team. With four wins from six matches, Quetta currently sits in third place on the points table and looks in strong contention for the playoffs.

Saud Shakeel also mentioned that he’s been working on his bowling, adding another layer to his game and helping the team with balance.

“Alongside batting, I’m also focusing on my bowling. Being able to contribute to both departments adds value and gives the team more options,” he said.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The 29-year-old also reflected on the value of the PSL, especially for domestic players making the leap to international cricket.

“PSL is very important for players. It not only boosts their financial strength but also gives them valuable experience,” he said.

“With international players and top-quality bowlers involved, the PSL prepares local talent for the national team.”

READ: Shaheen Shah Afridi joins Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir in elite club

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel hailed bowlers for their dominant 10-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the 18th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Quetta Gladiators successfully chased down the modest target of 90 runs without losing any wickets in just 6.5 overs, after their bowlers put up a dominant display, folding the opposition for a mere 89-run total.

Khurram Shahzad led the charge with a fiery spell, which dismantled the Sultan’s top order. The Player of the Match, Khurram, bagged four for 23 in his four overs before a resounding batting display saw Quetta Gladiators over the line in just 6.5 overs.

Finn Allen led the charge with two sixes and a four in the third over, setting the tone early in the chase. By the end of the powerplay, Gladiators had reached 74 runs without losing a wicket, showing sheer dominance with the bat.

Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen shared an unbeaten stand of 90 runs, laced with fours and sixes.

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Allen scored a blistering 45* off 21 deliveries, laced with five sixes and two fours, while Saud’s brisk 42* off 20 balls featured four sixes and three fours.

The victory marked Quetta Gladiators’ third consecutive win, moving them to second on the PSL 10 points table.

During the post-match presentation, Saud praised the bowlers for the victory, expressing his joy over the emphatic win.

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“It was a dream match for us, and I’m really glad we were able to chase down the total so quickly. There was definitely some support from the pitch, and full credit goes to our bowlers for setting up this victory, ” he said.

Saud Shakeel mentioned the break during the matches, stating that it had clearly helped them regain their momentum in the tournament.

“The rest break we had clearly helped — we came back refreshed and focused. As a team, we’re doing great, and today was a complete all-round performance across all three departments,” Saud said.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan hopeful of playoff qualification despite loss to Quetta Gladiators

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators’ captain Saud Shakeel remained optimistic for a turnaround ahead of their encounter against Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Friday.

The Gladiators had a poor start to the tournament, winning only one out of three games. They lost to Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, but managed to win their opening game against Peshawar Zalmi.

Speaking to the media at Lahore City Cricket Association Ground (LCCA), Saud emphasized the right combination for the team amid struggles. He expressed hope that his team would win all of their remaining matches in Lahore.

“We will try not to repeat the mistakes from previous games,” Saud said. Lahore and Rawalpindi always have a bigger crowd turnout. We hope to get good support here as well,” he added.

“All our players in the team are match-winners. We’re trying to find the best combination so we can get back on the winning track.”

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While speaking about his own performance and change in the opening position, he said that he is doing well and, if required, there will be a change.

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“Right now, my entire focus is on leading Quetta Gladiators. I am doing well as an opener. We will consider a change if it’s required,” he remarked.

The left-hander emphasized a short break, aiming for a comeback in the next matches while lamenting Usman Tariq’s reported action.

“There has been a bit of a break, so we’ll try to get back into form. Usman was bowling well, but unfortunately his action has been reported. His absence has disturbed our combination a little.”

Saud Shakeel praised former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for his role in the Quetta Gladiators’ dugout and highlighted his presence.

“Having Sarfaraz in the dugout is more than enough for us,” he concluded.

READ: ‘I knew a part-timer would bowl’: Khushdil Shah on match-winning knock against Peshawar Zalmi

RAWALPINDI: Quetta Gladiators skipper Saud Shakeel expressed his thoughts after a crushing defeat against Lahore Qalandars in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

During a post-match presentation, Saud highlighted the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing that their strength is spin bowling.

“I think we didn’t pick the best team, and our strength lies in spin. Credit goes to their batters as well—Fakhar at the top, Mitchell in the middle, and Billings at the end. We have a few issues that need to be resolved before the next game,” Saud remarked.

The left-hander emphasized on Rawalpindi pitch, acknowledging the threat of Lahore Qalandar’s skipper bowling.

“We know Shaheen is a strike bowler. The plan was to deny him wickets, but we lost the early ones, and it’s not easy to chase a big target after that,” Saud said of Shaheen’s bowling.

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“We’ll try to reduce our mistakes in the next game. Pindi usually favors batters. The last match was an exception, but today it played like a typical Pindi pitch,” Saud Shakeel concluded.

Chasing a mammoth total of 220, Gladiators were bundled out for 140 in 16.3 overs, thanks to a dominant bowling display from Qalandars, registering their first win in PSL 10.

Lahore Qalandars bowlers ripped the top order of Quetta Gladiators in the opening overs. Qalandar’s skipper led from the front, removing openers Saud Shakeel (1) and Finn Allen (0) inside the first three overs.

After losing wickets at regular intervals, Gladiators never looked in the chase and were eventually bundled out in the 16th over.

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Rossouw displayed remarkable character and resilience, top-scoring with 44 off 19 balls, which included four sixes and four fours.

For Qalandars, Rishad Hossain was the pick of bowlers, taking three for 31 in his quota of four overs. Asif Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Sikandar Raza bagged two wickets each in an all-round bowling effort.

Fakhar Zaman was deemed ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding batting performance.

READ: Fakhar Zaman equals Mohammad Rizwan’s half-centuries record in PSL

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READ: Karachi Kings suffer major blow ahead of Multan Sultans clash

KARACHI: Pakistan Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has expressed his thoughts over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) revolving door policy, stating that he would ensure that a coach is appointed for the long term.

During a recent TV show, Saud was asked about his vision if he ever becomes a PCB chairman.

The southpaw replied that he would hire a permanent head coach and increase the pay scale of the domestic players.

“First of all, I would bring a head coach, who can not be removed by anyone even if I get dismissed from the chairmanship but he would remain the head coach for three years,” said Shakeel

“Secondly, I think, we need to uplift the standard of domestic cricket in terms of money,” he added.

Saud Shakeel highlighted that the instability due to the revolving door policy also affects players.

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“The change in the coaching setup definitely affects the environment of the dressing room. If I say that it does not affect us at all, I would be lying,” he said.

“When a new person comes into the dressing room, he comes with his own thoughts, might have liking and disliking so you also need time in getting along.”

The 29-year-old stated that he has also been affected by continuous changes in the last one or two years.

“I think, the way how changes occurred for the last one to two years, it affected me as well since I am such a person who takes time in getting along with another person,” he concluded.

Saud Shakeel’s remarks came at a time when the Pakistan team is going through a challenging time.

Over the past three years, the Pakistan Cricket Board has gone through 26 selectors, 8 coaches, and 4 captains, leading to ongoing struggles for the national team.

READ: Pakistan team set for Thailand clash in Women’s World Cup Qualifier warm-up

FAISALABAD: Skipper Saud Shakeel struck a match-winning half-century to lead Karachi Whites to a 30-run victory in the opening game of the National T20 Cup against Islamabad Region here at the Iqbal Stadium on Friday.

Other than defending champions Karachi Whites, Bahawalpur Region also registered victory on the opening day of the National T20 Cup 2024-25.

In the first match, Karachi Whites posted 159-6 in the allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first. Saud Shakeel, who was adjudged player of the match, smashed nine fours and one six in his 50-ball 76-run effort while opening the batting.

Khurram Manzoor was the other notable run-getter for Karachi Whites as he managed 29 off 17 balls, hitting four fours and one six.

For Islamabad, Naseerullah Khan and Musa Khan picked up two wickets each, while Arsal Sheikh and Umair Afridi dismissed one batter each.

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In turn, Islamabad slipped to 27-4 and were struggling at 73-5 before the rain stopped play in the 14th over. Karachi Whites’ Muhammad Umar snared two wickets, while Danish Aziz, Arif Yaqoob and Saqib Khan picked up one wicket each.

In the second Group B fixture, Bahawalpur Region managed a thumping 61-run win against Dera Murad Jamali Region in a seven-over-per-side fixture.

After opting to bat first, Bahawalpur’s opening batters, Aun Shahzad (28, 16b, 3x4s, 2x6s) and Muhammad Sudais (21 not out, 12b, 1×4, 2x6s) stitched a quickfire half-century partnership.

Skipper Muhammad Imran smashed 16 off eight balls, hitting a four and a six each, while Faizan Zafar’s four-ball 16 was inclusive of two fours and one six. Bahawalpur posted 95-3 in the allotted seven overs. In turn, DM Jamali could only manage 34-6.

For Bahawalpur, Imran Khan Sr. and Salahuddin snapped two wickets each.

READ: Imad Wasim reflects on his T20 World Cup 2024 knock against India

DUBAI: Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel and spinner Noman Ali made their way to the top ten in the ICC Test Rankings owing to their brilliant performance in the first Test victory against West Indies.

Pakistan thumped West Indies by 127 runs on the third day of the first of a two-match Test series earlier this week.

Noman Ali claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by a solitary wicket in the second innings.

This performance helped the left-arm spinner to jump back into the top ten of the ICC Test Bowling rankings as he gained two places to reach ninth with 761 rating points.

Noman’s fellow spinner Sajid Khan, who took nine wickets and won the Player of the Match award, also made notable gains in the bowling rankings. Sajid made an impressive 18-place leap to reach the 23rd spot with 621 rating points.

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Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed made an immediate impact on his return to Pakistan’s Test team, taking five wickets, including a 4-27 in the second innings. He jumped six places to 52nd with 406 rating points.

On the batting front, Pakistan’s vice-captain Saud Shakeel returned to the top ten after his gutsy 84-run knock in the first innings against West Indies.

The southpaw rose three spots to reach the eighth place in the ICC Test Batting rankings with 753 rating points.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 71 runs in the first innings and stitched a 141-run stand with Saud, also jumped two places to the 17th position with 662 points.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood also made gains after his half-century in the second innings as he rose three places to 42nd spot.

READ: Former Pakistan captain compares Babar Azam’s popularity with Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja praised Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel for their batting performance in the first innings of the opening Test against the West Indies.

Pakistan completed their dominant 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first of a two-match Test series on Sunday.

Following Pakistan’s victory, Ramiz Raja shared his opinion in a video on his YouTube channel, highlighting the strategy to dismantle opponents with a spin.

“Pakistan pocketed this test match with authority. This square-turning pitch, much like the template set after the England series, completely exposed the West Indies’ lack of quality when it comes to handling spin,” said Ramiz.

“Their batters were not equipped to deal with the conditions or our heavy-duty spin attack.”

The former captain highlighted the unique skills each spinner—Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan—brought to the team, which contributed to Pakistan’s victory.

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“Each bowler brought something unique to the table, adjusting seamlessly to the wear and tear of the ball,” he added.

“Abrar is relentless with his accuracy, Noman’s variations on a spinning track are world-class, and Sajid’s angles make him a constant threat.

“Together, they formed a perfect spin attack that dominated the opposition.”

He also appreciated the 141-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first innings. The two batters joined hands when the team was struggling on 46-4 and helped the team post a fighting total of 230.

“On a challenging pitch, the way Rizwan and Shakeel handled the pressure was brilliant. They turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor when it mattered most,” Ramiz Raja stated.

“Even though Pakistan’s batting stumbled in the second innings, they had already moved so far ahead that 250 was unachievable for the West Indies.”

READ: Sunil Gavaskar names his favorites for Champions Trophy 2025

DUBAI: Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan made significant gains, while Saud Shakeel suffered a steep decline in the latest ICC Test Batting Rankings released on Wednesday.

Pakistan were whitewashed in the two-match series against South Africa after suffering a ten-wicket defeat in the second Test on Monday.

Saud Shakeel, who scored a gutsy 84 in the second innings of the first Test, failed to make his mark in the recently concluded second match. He bagged a duck in the first innings, followed by 23 runs in the second innings.

Consequently, he dropped five places to 11th spot in the ICC Test Batting Rankings with 724 rating points.

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Meanwhile, Babar Azam, who broke his half-century drought in the opening Test, continued his good form and scored half-centuries in both innings of the Cape Town Test.

He returned with scores of 58 and 81 while opening the innings in place of injured Saim Ayub, which resulted in him making a five-place jump to 12th.

Similarly, Mohammad Rizwan played gutsy knocks of 46 and 41, which helped him gain two places to reach 19th.

Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood made a 12-place jump to 45 with 550 rating points courtesy of his valiant 145-run knock in the second innings.

READ: Fakhar Zaman ready to make a comeback in Champions Trophy