Saud Shakeel, Pakistan's newly appointed Test VC makes gaffe about predecessor Shaheen Afridi

Shakeel, who has taken over the vice-captaincy from Afridi as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB)broader strategy to manage the fast bowler's heavy schedule, was questioned about the specifics of this strategy.

When asked by the media in Islamabad about the team's workload management plan for Shaheen, Saud deferred the question, stating, "Shaheen can tell you better about this. It is none of my concern."

A reporter then pointed out that as vice-captain, Saud is part of the leadership group.

Saud acknowledged this, saying, "Shaheen is our main bowler, so the team management will make a decision that is best for him."

Saud is set to lead the Pakistan Shaheens in their first four-day match against Bangladesh 'A', which begins on Tuesday.

The squad for this match also includes Test team members Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Saud expressed that the match would serve as good preparation for the upcoming Test series.

“This four-day match would be good preparation for the upcoming Test series. Furthermore, the Bangladesh ‘A’ team also have seven to eight players that are part of the Bangladesh Test team, so this match will be beneficial for us,” Saud said.

After this four-day match, the eight Test probables will join the national squad, with replacements to be announced for the Pakistan Shaheens for the remaining matches against Bangladesh 'A'.