Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Saud Shakeel as the vice-captain of the national Test team. Sarfaraz, who is also part of the 17-member squad announced for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, believes this decision is a strategic move to groom young talent for the future.

The Test series against Bangladesh, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship, will kick off in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second match set for Karachi on August 30.

Sarfaraz congratulated Saud Shakeel on his new role, emphasizing the significance of this honor. He highlighted Saud's leadership experience at the junior level, noting that the batter has captained since his U-19 days and led Sindh to a T20 championship title. Speaking to reporters, Sarfaraz said:

"First of all, congratulations to Saud. To be vice-captain of the national team is a huge honour. It’s a commendable initiative by the cricket board to groom such a junior player who has been leading at lower levels. Saud has been captaining since the U-19 level and has led Sindh to the T20 championship title."

Sarfaraz also expressed his support for the PCB's broader approach of recognizing and rewarding domestic performers. He acknowledged that the inclusion of players based on their domestic performances is a positive sign for Pakistani cricket.

“It’s a positive initiative that domestic performers and Pakistan Shaheens are getting opportunities. Some players have already made their place, and we hope that more will get their chance in the future. It’s a good sign that domestic performers are being valued and becoming part of Pakistan’s [senior] team" He added.