I am considering Saud Shakeel in the league, which includes names like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam: Kamran Akmal

Saud Shakeel's brilliant rise in international cricket has caught the attention of former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who believes that Shakeel has the potential to match the likes of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in the coming years.

Shakeel's remarkable batting prowess, especially in Test cricket, is evident through his impressive performances. As of August 11, 2023, he has played in 7 Test matches, scoring a total of 875 runs with an impressive average of 87.5. His batting style is marked by patience and some solid technique, which allows him to construct long innings on the crease.

His journey in cricket has been marked by significant milestones. In July 2023, Shakeel became the first Pakistani batter to achieve a Test double century on Lankan would during a match against Sri Lanka in Galle. Over the course of the series, the 27-year-old emerged as the highest run-scorer, scoring 295 runs from three innings at an impressive average of 147.5, thereby contributing significantly to Pakistan's series win of 2-0.

During a conversation with Cricket Pakistan, Kamran Akmal made a bold statement about Shakeel's potential. The former cricketer expressed his unique perspective on Shakeel's prospects, positioning him in the same league as cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.

Akmal confidently claimed that Shakeel has the capability to climb to their level within the next three to four years. He applauded Shakeel's remarkable form, emphasizing its positive implications for Pakistan cricket. Akmal's optimism was noticeable as he highlighted Shakeel's remarkable batting displays, especially under challenging circumstances and at a relatively early stage of his Test career.

"I am looking at Saud from a different angle. I am considering him in the league, which includes big names like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and other five to six players. He[Saud] should be reaching near these players in the next three to four years - given the performance he has showcased, particularly when the circumstances were difficult. So, this is a good sign for Pakistan cricket when any batter displays excellent batting performance, that too at an early age in early Test cricket," Akmal said.