Saud Shakeel Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Saud Shakeel is a Pakistani Test batsman and vice‑captain, renowned for his double‑century in Sri Lanka.

Saud Shakeel, born on 5 September 1995 in Karachi, represents Pakistan in international cricket and plays domestically for Quetta Gladiators. He made his ODI debut in July 2021 and his Test debut in December 2022, quickly establishing himself as a key top‑order batsman. As of September 2026 he has featured in 26 Tests, scoring 2,006 runs at an average of 42.68, including four centuries and a highest score of 208 not out. In ODIs he has accumulated 374 runs from 17 matches, with a top score of 68 and a solitary wicket.

Having captained Pakistan’s Under‑19 side at the 2014 World Cup, Shakeel progressed through the domestic circuit before earning his place in the senior team. He currently serves as Pakistan’s vice‑captain in Test cricket and continues to be a regular feature in the side’s batting line‑up, combining solid technique with an increasingly aggressive intent.

Saud Shakeel: quick facts

Born: 5 September 1995, Karachi
Team: Pakistan
Teams: Pakistan national cricket team, Quetta Gladiators

Saud Shakeel career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
Tests	26	50	2,006	208*	42.68	50.57	4	11
ODIs	17	14	374	68	28.77	85.39	0	4

Bowling

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best	Average	Economy
Tests	26	0	–	–	8.20
ODIs	17	1	1/14	37.00	4.72

Figures as of 11 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Saud Shakeel’s early life

Saud Shakeel was born on 5 September 1995 in Karachi and spent much of his childhood in the Sagheer Centre of the Federal B. Area. In 2007, while a sixth‑grade student at The Crescent Academy, he attracted the attention of Azam Khan, then manager of Quetta Gladiators, through a family connection. Khan introduced the young Shakeel to local cricket academies, where he began training alongside players such as Rumman Raees, Anwar Ali and Tabish Khan, laying the foundation for his future professional career.

The early mentorship from senior cricketers, including Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq, helped Shakeel develop his batting technique and mental approach. These formative experiences, combined with his schooling at The Crescent Academy, equipped him with the skills and discipline required to succeed at higher levels of the game.

Saud Shakeel’s domestic career

Shakeel made his first‑class debut on 26 October 2015 in the Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy, marking the start of a prolific domestic run. He emerged as the leading run‑scorer for Pakistan Television in the 2017–18 Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy, amassing 488 runs in seven matches, and repeated the feat in the 2018–19 edition with 414 runs in five matches. His consistent performances earned him selection for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s squad in the 2018 Pakistan Cup and later for Sindh in the 2019–20 Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy.

In November 2017, Shakeel was drafted by Quetta Gladiators for the 2018 Pakistan Super League, introducing him to the franchise format. He continued to feature in the PSL, bringing his solid domestic form to the shorter version of the game and gaining valuable experience against international‑level bowlers. His domestic achievements were recognised when he was shortlisted for Domestic Cricketer of the Year at the 2020 PCB Awards.

Saud Shakeel’s international career

Shakeel earned his first ODI cap on 8 July 2021 against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, and later made his Test debut against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 1 December 2022. Since then he has become a regular member of Pakistan’s Test side, accumulating 2,006 runs in 26 matches at an average of 42.68, with a strike rate of 50.57. His Test record includes four centuries, eleven fifties and a highest score of 208 not out, complemented by fifteen catches in the field.

His most notable Test innings came on 16 July 2023 at Galle International Stadium, where he smashed a double century – 208 not out – becoming the first Pakistani to achieve a Test double hundred in Sri Lanka. Additional landmark scores include 141 against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi on 21 August 2024, 134 against England at the same venue on 24 October 2024, and an unbeaten 125 against New Zealand in Karachi on 2 January 2023. These performances have cemented his reputation as a resilient and capable top‑order batsman.

In the limited‑overs arena Shakeel has played 17 ODIs, scoring 374 runs at an average of 28.77 and a strike rate of 85.39, with a top score of 68. He has also taken a wicket, delivering at an average of 37 and an economy of 4.72. During the period from May to September 2026 he featured in five Tests, scoring 233 runs in ten innings with a highest of 97, indicating a steady contribution in the longer format during that span.

Saud Shakeel’s franchise and league career

Shakeel’s entry into franchise cricket began with his selection by Quetta Gladiators in the 2018 Pakistan Super League draft. He has represented the Gladiators in multiple PSL seasons, providing stability at the top of the order and adapting his game to the fast‑paced demands of the Twenty‑20 format. His participation in the league has allowed him to share dressing rooms with international stars, further enhancing his tactical awareness and shot selection.

Although his PSL statistics are not detailed in the available data, his continued presence in the squad reflects the franchise’s confidence in his abilities. The experience gained from playing alongside and against seasoned T20 specialists has contributed to the evolution of his attacking instincts, which have been highlighted in recent Test performances.

Saud Shakeel’s playing style

Shakeel is primarily a right‑handed top‑order batsman known for a solid defensive technique complemented by the capacity to accelerate when required. In Tests his strike rate of 50.57 suggests a measured approach, yet his innings in Galle demonstrated an ability to dominate bowlers, as reflected in his double century where he combined patience with aggressive stroke‑play. His ODI strike rate of 85.39 indicates a more fluid, attacking mindset in the limited‑overs format.

Commentary from October 2023 highlighted Shakeel’s role in Pakistan’s aggressive batting strategy, particularly in the sub‑continental conditions of Sri Lanka. His willingness to play expansive shots, coupled with a sound defensive foundation, enables him to adapt across formats, making him a versatile asset for both the national side and his franchise team.

Saud Shakeel’s records and achievements

Shakeel’s most celebrated milestone is the 208‑run unbeaten double century scored against Sri Lanka at Galle on 16 July 2023, marking him as the first Pakistani to record a Test double hundred on Sri Lankan soil. He has also notched centuries of 141 against Bangladesh and 134 against England, both at Rawalpindi, underscoring his ability to perform on home pitches against strong opposition.

In domestic cricket he led Pakistan Television’s run‑scoring charts in consecutive Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy seasons, tallying 488 runs in 2017–18 and 414 runs in 2018–19. Internationally, he was part of Pakistan’s squad for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, earning a man‑of‑the‑match award for a 68‑run knock against the Netherlands. He currently serves as Pakistan’s vice‑captain in Test cricket, reflecting his leadership credentials and standing within the team.

Saud Shakeel’s personal life

Beyond the boundary, Shakeel’s early years were rooted in Karachi’s Federal B. Area, where he balanced schooling at The Crescent Academy with burgeoning cricket ambitions. His family’s support, particularly through his uncle’s connection that facilitated his introduction to Azam Khan, played a pivotal role in his development. While detailed information about his personal pursuits remains limited, his background reflects a typical Karachi upbringing combined with a strong focus on cricket from a young age.

Saud Shakeel: frequently asked questions

When was Saud Shakeel born?

Saud Shakeel was born on 5 September 1995 in Karachi.

Where is Saud Shakeel from?

Saud Shakeel was born in Karachi, Pakistan.

Which teams has Saud Shakeel played for?

Saud Shakeel plays international cricket for Pakistan. Saud Shakeel’s other teams include Pakistan national cricket team and Quetta Gladiators.

When did Saud Shakeel make an international debut?

Saud Shakeel made a Test debut against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 1 December 2022. Saud Shakeel made an ODI debut against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on 8 July 2021.