Saud discusses strategy for 2nd WI Test

Pakistan's Test vice-captain, Saud Shakeel, shared his thoughts in a media talk ahead of the second Test against the West Indies. The match is set to take place under challenging conditions, and Saud addressed various aspects of the team's preparations, individual performances, and the pitch conditions.

Reflecting on his performances, Saud emphasized the importance of supporting the team and forming crucial partnerships. He highlighted his memorable partnership with Mohammad Rizwan in the previous Test, which played a significant role in securing a victory. "Our focus is always on contributing to the team's success. Partnerships like the one I had with Rizwan are key to achieving that," he stated.

Discussing the strategy for the upcoming match, Saud acknowledged the tricky conditions. He stressed the importance of setting a competitive total, saying, "In these conditions, it's not about aiming for 500 or 600 runs. We look to post around 350 to 400 runs, depending on the situation, and then proceed accordingly."

He also expressed confidence in the team's current form, saying, "The team is in a good rhythm, and the morale is high. There's no need for changes in the lineup unless absolutely necessary."

Saud shared his views on the challenges posed by the pitch, comparing it to those used in previous series. "The pitches here are challenging. In the England series and now against the West Indies, we've seen conditions that test batters. But that's the beauty of Test cricket—it's all about overcoming such challenges," he explained.

He also highlighted the need for domestic cricket to prepare players for such conditions. "If we have 10 matches in a domestic season, some should be played on turning tracks to help players adapt better. Practicing on spinning pitches is crucial for players to handle such situations at the international level," he added.

When asked about his individual performance and ranking, Saud said, "For me, the priority is always the team's success. If my performance helps the team win and my ranking improves, it's a bonus. Being in the top 10 is an achievement, but my focus remains on contributing to the team."

Addressing concerns about maintaining Pakistan's legacy in Test cricket, Saud dismissed the idea that the team is falling behind. "I don't think we're losing our legacy. Great players emerge from challenging conditions, and we've seen our players perform under pressure. If we keep winning and performing well, our legacy will remain intact," he said.

Saud praised Pakistan's bowling attack, particularly in challenging conditions. "Our bowlers, like Sajid and others, have been exceptional. Even with the new ball, they've made it tough for the opposition," he remarked.

He also spoke about the positive environment within the team. "The team's morale and environment are excellent. Everyone is motivated to perform and support each other, which is crucial for success," he said.

Saud concluded by emphasizing the importance of staying focused and working as a team to secure victories. "We need to remain consistent and make the most of these opportunities. It's a challenge, but one we are ready to face," he said.

The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to be played on Saturday, 25th January in Multan.

ICC release star-studded promo for Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) released its official promotional video for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, showcasing a star-studded lineup of cricketing icons in a high-energy, action-packed cinematic sequence.

The promo features Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan, England's Phil Salt, India's Hardik Pandya, and Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi in a dramatic heist-themed storyline centered around securing the coveted Champions Trophy.

The video opens with Shaheen and Shadab embarking on a covert operation. Shadab, in his role as the ultimate sidekick, lowers Shaheen into a vault through an air vent. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya adds a touch of suspense with his acrobatic skills, skillfully dodging lasers. Phil Salt appears in an electrifying moment, seemingly materializing out of nowhere, while Mohammad Nabi is seen navigating an underground route to add intrigue to the plot.