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Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has set his sights firmly on securing a place in Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad, stating that the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 presents a crucial opportunity to impress selectors.
Shakeel has been a mainstay in Pakistan’s Test team; however, he failed to cement a regular place in the ODI format.
He has represented Pakistan in 19 ODI games since his debut in 2021, featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He has been out of the ODI team since the Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals India in February 2025.
Speaking ahead of the PSL 11, the left-handed batter made it clear that his performances in the league could play a defining role in shaping his international future.
“This season is very important for me. The ODI World Cup is coming up [next year], and I will aim to perform well to get the selectors’ attention,” Shakeel said.
Quetta Gladiators, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition after losing the final to Lahore Qalandars, will begin their campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore.
Under Shakeel’s leadership, the franchise will be looking to build on last season’s momentum while navigating a more competitive format.
“We had a good performance in the last edition, but now we are starting afresh. Our effort will be to once again play a good brand of cricket,” he said.
Notably, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.
Despite the absence of crowds, Shakeel remains optimistic about maintaining intensity and delivering quality cricket.
“Our passion and energy come from the fans. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to attend, but we would request them to watch from home and support us,” he said.
The upcoming edition marks a significant shift in the league’s structure, with eight teams participating for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz.
“Our aim will be to play a strong brand of cricket again. The competition will be tougher this time with more teams, but we are ready for the challenge,” he added.
With a relatively new pace attack in place, the Gladiators’ skipper also emphasised the importance of finding the right combination early in the tournament.
Quetta Gladiators will begin their PSL 11 campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore, as they aim to go one step further this time and clinch the title.
Saud Shakeel (c), Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Wasim Akram Jnr, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Abrar Ahmed, Ben McDermott and Tom Curran.
