PAK vs NED: Shoaib Malik Believes Saud Shakeel Should Be Mandatory In The Pakistan Cricket Team

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik recently shared his insights on the composition of the team for the ICC World Cup 2023. Shoaib Malik strongly advocated for Saud Shakeel’s inclusion in the playing XI, highlighting the young batter’s exceptional batting technique.

Saud Shakeel was recalled to the ODI squad for the series against Afghanistan in August 2023. He also earned a spot in the Asia Cup squad but didn’t feature in the playing XI. He scored an impressive 75 runs off 53 balls in the first warm-up match against New Zealand.

Saud Shakeel Plays An Important Role – Shoaib Malik

In a recent media conference, Shoaib Malik emphasized the importance of Saud Shakeel’s role in the middle order, following Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the line-up.

“I always thought Saud Shakeel should be mandatory in the Pakistan Cricket Team. A batter with a strong technique like Saud plays an important role after Babar Azam and M Rizwan,” Malik said.

Time To Support Babar Azam – Shoaib Malik

The seasoned cricketer stressed the importance of supporting skipper Babar Azam during the upcoming World Cup. Malik expressed optimism regarding Pakistan’s performance under Babar’s leadership.

“Babar Azam has been doing captaincy of Pakistan, and this is the time to support him. The media also has to play an important role in supporting Babar in the World Cup. I’m very much hopeful for the good performance of the Pakistan Cricket Team and the captaincy of Babar in the World Cup,” he added.

Should Have Given Occasional Opportunities To Other Bowlers – Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik emphasized that the Pakistan pace trio, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, could have rattled the opposition.

“Naseem, Shaheen [Shah] and Haris [Rauf] became a strong trio. Unfortunately, Naseem got injured, but the PCB Selection Committee should have given occasional opportunities to other bowlers as well previously,” he concluded.

Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. The right-arm pacer recently underwent successful surgery and could be sidelined from action for at least three months.

The Babar Azam-led team will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Scott Edwards-led Netherlands team at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6.

Also read: PAK vs AFG: Shoaib Malik Makes Sensational Claim For A Stake In Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2024