Saud Shakeel Prioritizes White-Ball Cricket Amidst Limited Test Opportunities for Pakistan

LAHORE: Saud Shakeel, the captain of Quetta Gladiators, has declared a change in his cricketing strategy, now focusing more on the limited-overs format.

In a conversation in Lahore this Saturday, Shakeel mentioned that the infrequent scheduling of Test matches for the national side has prompted him to adjust his training methods and approach to better suit the demands of both One-Day International (ODI) and T20 cricket.

“Given the scarcity of Test matches, I’ve chosen to dedicate more attention to white-ball cricket. I am refining my technique and preparations accordingly, as this format currently presents more avenues for advancement,” he stated.

Addressing recent critiques regarding his scoring rate and playing style, the 29-year-old suggested that observers often lack a full understanding of the match conditions or the team’s overall plan.

“There’s a general desire for aggressive, high-scoring cricket, but that’s not always feasible. Certain pitches may support strike rates of 170 or 200, while others barely allow for 100. It’s unrealistic to expect every player to maintain the same level of aggression, as that could lead to rapid collapses. Each player fulfills a specific role, and I adapt my gameplay to meet those needs,” he clarified.

Reflecting on his experiences in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the left-handed batsman noted that the Gladiators have gained confidence while competing at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, their adopted home ground.

“We’ve performed admirably here. The stadium possesses a unique atmosphere, and the conditions favor our bowling attack. We hope Lahore continues to serve as our home venue,” he expressed.

Shakeel, leading a PSL team for the first time, regards his captaincy as an invaluable learning process.

“Leadership entails responsibility. The presence of seasoned players like Mohammad Amir is beneficial. Young bowlers can gain valuable insights from his assertive approach. I also strive to inject that level of intensity into our performance,” he added.

He dismissed claims that the PSL’s appeal is diminishing, pointing to the consistent fan attendance in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

“Based on what I’ve observed, interest remains strong. I haven’t detected any significant decline compared to previous seasons,” he concluded.