40 Facts About Saud Shakeel

Early Life and Introduction to Cricket

Saud Shakeel, a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts, has carved a niche for himself in the cricketing world. His journey from the streets of Karachi to international stardom is nothing short of inspiring.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on September 5, 1995, in Karachi, Pakistan, Shakeel spent his formative years in the Sagheer Centre of the Federal B. Area.

2. Introduction to Cricket: In 2007, Azam Khan, then manager of Quetta Gladiators, noticed Shakeel's potential and introduced him to cricket academies through a connection with his uncle.

3. Cricket Academies: Despite lukewarm responses from academies, Azam Khan integrated Shakeel into practice sessions with players like Rumman Raees, Anwar Ali, and Tabish Khan, leading to his association with the Pakistan Cricket Club.

Domestic Career and Achievements

Shakeel's domestic career laid the foundation for his international success. His performances in various domestic tournaments showcased his talent and determination.

4. First-Class Debut: Shakeel made his first-class debut on October 26, 2015, in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

5. Leading Run-Scorer: He was the top run-scorer for Pakistan Television in the 2017–18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, amassing 488 runs in seven matches.

6. Pakistan Super League (PSL): Shakeel was selected to play for the Quetta Gladiators in the 2018 PSL players draft.

7. Emerging Teams Asia Cup: In December 2018, he was named in Pakistan's team for the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup and later captained the squad for the 2019 edition in Bangladesh.

8. Domestic Cricketer of the Year: In December 2020, Shakeel was shortlisted as one of the Domestic Cricketers of the Year for the 2020 PCB Awards.

International Debut and Milestones

Shakeel's transition to international cricket was marked by significant achievements and memorable performances.

9. International Debut: Shakeel made his ODI debut for Pakistan in July 2021 against England.

10. Test Debut: He made his Test debut against England in December 2022, marking a significant milestone in his career.

11. U-19 World Cup: Shakeel captained the Pakistan U-19 team in the 2014 U-19 World Cup, where Pakistan finished second.

12. Batting Style: Known for his solid technique and temperament, Shakeel is a left-handed batter who excels in longer formats.

Notable Performances and Records

Shakeel's performances on the field have earned him accolades and recognition, both domestically and internationally.

13. Batting Average: He consistently maintains an average in the 40s in both List A and first-class cricket.

14. Inspirational Role Model: Shakeel admires Michael Hussey, a former Australian batter, who inspired him during his childhood.

15. PSL Performance: Shakeel plays for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL and has been compared to Virat Kohli due to his batting style and resemblance.

16. Social Media Viral: Shakeel went viral on social media as Virat Kohli’s lookalike during his debut match against England.

17. First Test Double Century: In July 2023, Shakeel became the first Pakistani batsman to score a Test double century on Sri Lankan soil.

18. Test Double Century Details: Shakeel scored 208 runs off 361 balls, helping Pakistan reach a total of 461 runs.

Challenges and Controversies

Every athlete faces challenges, and Shakeel is no exception. His career has seen its share of controversies and difficult decisions.

19. Innings Declaration Controversy: In August 2023, Shakeel clarified the circumstances surrounding the innings declaration made by captain Shan Masood during a Test match against Bangladesh.

20. Rizwan’s Performance: During the same match, Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 171, surpassing Jos Buttler’s record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper-batter in the World Test Championship.

21. Shakeel’s Century: Shakeel also reached his century during the match, becoming the joint-fastest Pakistani batter to accumulate 1,000 Test runs.

Career Stats and Personal Life

Shakeel's career statistics and personal life provide a glimpse into his journey and achievements.

22. Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Series: Shakeel had an amazing performance in the first match of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka ICC World Test Championship series.

23. Middle Order Batter: Shakeel is primarily a middle-order batter known for his ability to anchor innings and build partnerships.

24. Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Bowler: Besides batting, Shakeel is also a slow left-arm orthodox bowler with 23 wickets in first-class cricket.

25. Career Stats: As of October 2024, Shakeel has played 14 Test matches, scoring 1272 runs at an average of 53.00.

26. First-Class Cricket: In first-class cricket, Shakeel has played 78 matches, scoring 5933 runs at an average of 52.04.

27. List A Cricket: In List A cricket, Shakeel has played 91 matches, scoring 2850 runs at an average of 41.91.

28. T20 Cricket: In T20 cricket, Shakeel has played 10 matches for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, scoring 323 runs at an average of 35.88.

29. Recent Matches: As of October 2024, Shakeel has been part of several recent matches, scoring 82 and 29 runs in the second Test against England.

30. Endorsements: Shakeel earns from various endorsements with different companies, appearing in advertisements for sports equipment and clothing brands.

31. Net Worth: By 2024, it is estimated that Saud Shakeel’s net worth is approximately $1 million.

32. House and Car Collection: There isn’t much publicly available information about Saud Shakeel’s personal assets, including his house and car collection.

33. Relationship Status: Shakeel is currently unmarried, focusing on his cricket career.

34. Instagram Profile: Shakeel is active on Instagram, where he shares updates about his cricketing journey and personal life.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Shakeel's leadership skills and emphasis on team dynamics have been crucial in his cricketing journey.

35. Cricketing Journey: Shakeel’s cricketing journey started in the domestic circuits of Pakistan, playing for teams like Karachi and Sindh.

36. International Career Highlights: Shakeel’s international career has been marked by several notable performances, including his ODI and Test debuts against England.

37. Captaincy Experience: Shakeel has experience as a captain, having led the Pakistan U-19 team in the 2014 U-19 World Cup.

38. Team Dynamics: Shakeel emphasizes the importance of open communication within the team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

39. Captain Shan Masood’s Decision: Shakeel backed captain Shan Masood’s decision to declare the innings, highlighting its strategic value.

40. Future Prospects: With consistent performances and adaptability, Shakeel is seen as a promising player for Pakistan’s future.

Saud Shakeel: A Rising Star in Cricket

Saud Shakeel's journey from Karachi's cricket academies to the international stage is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication and hard work have made him a standout player in Pakistan's cricket scene. With a solid left-handed batting style, Shakeel has consistently delivered impressive performances, both domestically and internationally. His achievements, like the first Test double century on Sri Lankan soil, highlight his potential to become one of Pakistan's cricketing greats. Shakeel's ability to anchor innings and build partnerships makes him a valuable asset to his team. As he continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport. With a promising career ahead, Saud Shakeel is set to leave a lasting impact on cricket, inspiring the next generation of players. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in achieving greatness.