Pakistan’s Lone Star Breaks into ICC Test rankingTop 10

Published On: January 22, 2026

Pakistan’s dependable middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has climbed to No. 9 in the ICC Test Batting Rankings, becoming the only Pakistani batter currently ranked inside the world’s top 10.

The rise highlights Shakeel’s growing importance in Pakistan’s Test lineup and reflects his consistent performances during the 2025 Test season.

Consistent Performances Drive Ranking Boost

Saud Shakeel featured in five Test matches in 2025, where he displayed remarkable patience and technical solidity against high-quality bowling attacks. Across 10 innings, he scored two crucial half-centuries, often playing the role of stabilizer when Pakistan found itself under pressure.

Cricket analysts have praised Shakeel’s temperament, shot selection, and ability to bat long, calling him one of Pakistan’s most reliable Test batters in recent years.

Only Pakistani Batter in World Top 10

With his latest ranking jump, Saud Shakeel stands alone as Pakistan’s sole representative among the top 10 Test batters globally, underlining a challenging phase for Pakistan’s batting unit and the responsibility resting on his shoulders.

Latest ICC Test Batting Rankings

Rank	Team	Player	Rating
1	England	Joe Root	867
2	England	Harry Brook	846
3	New Zealand	Kane Williamson	822
4	Australia	Travis Head	816
5	Australia	Steve Smith	811
6	Sri Lanka	Kamindu Mendis	781
7	South Africa	Temba Bavuma	775
8	India	Yashasvi Jaiswal	750
9	Pakistan	Saud Shakeel	734
10	India	Shubman Gill	730

Domestic Success Adds to Confidence

Shakeel’s strong international year was complemented by domestic success. He recently led Karachi Region Blues to victory in the 2025 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

In six matches, he scored 329 runs, including one century and one half-century, averaging 32.90, once again showcasing his leadership and consistency.

Noman Ali Also Achieves Career Milestone

In bowling rankings, Pakistan’s veteran left-arm spinner Noman Ali also made headlines by achieving a career-high joint second position in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings, sharing the spot with Australia’s Mitchell Starc on 843 rating points.

Noman Ali is now the only Pakistani bowler inside the current ICC Test Top 20, further highlighting his impact in red-ball cricket.

Conclusion

Saud Shakeel’s rise into the ICC Test top 10 is a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, reflecting his maturity and consistency in the longest format. Alongside Noman Ali’s bowling success, Pakistan will hope these individual milestones translate into stronger team performances going forward.