Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is expected to miss out on the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, set to begin on July 25.
Saud’s dwindling form
Saud, who picked up an injury during the red-ball training camp last month, successfully completed his rehabilitation. However, the selectors cited his diminishing form and overall match fitness as the reasons behind his omission.
Saud has been struggling with his form lately, as he has managed to go past 50 runs only twice in 14 innings since the start of 2025. In the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Saud’s returns were 0, 15, 8, and 6 across the two Tests.
“He is not being considered for the West Indies series. Saud has struggled with both form and fitness, and the selectors have decided against including him in the squad,” a well-placed source said.
While he is unlikely to make it into the West Indies-bound squad, he is set for a fitness evaluation ahead of the England tour. If given the go-ahead, the 31-year-old will link up with the rest of the squad in England, where they will play three Tests, beginning August 19.
Pakistan’s batting unit
Besides him, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, whose inclusion was earlier in doubt following an injury during the camp, is reportedly in the squad for both tours. Pakistan are also expected to stick to their batting unit from the Bangladesh tour, which included youngsters Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal along with experienced batters Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq, and Shan Masood.
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