Saud Shakeel’s Test tour participation in doubt due to fitness concerns

KARACHI – Pakistan middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is facing uncertainty over his selection for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and England due to ongoing fitness concerns, sources said on Wednesday. The sources close to the team management said that Saud Shakeel is currently recovering from a fitness issue, and his participation in the national Test squad remains doubtful. The medical staff are monitoring his rehabilitation process, while a final decision on his availability is expected after further assessment. In view of his possible absence, team selectors have reportedly begun exploring backup options in the middle order and have included additional players in the red-ball training camp. The situation adds to Pakistan’s growing injury concerns ahead of the busy Test schedule. Earlier, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was also reported to be struggling with fitness issues, raising doubts over his participation in the upcoming tours. As a precautionary step, Rohail Nazir has been added to the red-ball camp as a potential replacement option. Sources said selectors are being forced to make multiple adjustments to the Test squad due to recurring injury setbacks affecting key players. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s red-ball training camp for the West Indies and England tours is currently underway. Players are taking part in scenario-based practice sessions at the LCCA Ground in Lahore as part of preparations for the upcoming series. Team officials are expected to finalize squad changes after reviewing player fitness reports in the coming days, ahead of the international assignments. Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar’s brother passes away