Pakistan Star Batter Likely to Return to Test Squad for West Indies Series

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is likely to be added to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming two-match away Test series against the West Indies.

Saud Shakeel was initially dropped from the West Indies tour following a difficult two-match Test series against Bangladesh. During that series, he managed just 29 runs across four innings, finishing with a dismal 7.25 average.

Additionally, the 30-year-old’s selection for the subsequent Test series against England, scheduled to be played from August 19 to September 3, was made subject to his fitness.

However, an untimely injury to left-handed opener Abdullah Fazal on the eve of the first Test against the West Indies may pave the way for Shakeel’s return to the national side.

Since making his Test debut in 2022, Saud Shakeel has played 23 matches for Pakistan. He has accumulated 1,802 runs at an impressive average of 43.95, including four centuries and 10 half-centuries.

The upcoming away series against the West Indies is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle and marks Babar Azam’s return as Pakistan’s Test captain.

The first Test will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from July 25 to 29. The second and final Test will be hosted at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain from August 2 to 6.