Seasoned all-rounder Shadab Khan is expected to return to Pakistan’s T20 squad and lead the national side in the shortest format after completing his rehabilitation program next month following the shoulder surgery he underwent in England this year.
Shadab, a veteran batsman with 70 ODIs and 112 T20 international caps, last played in the home series against Bangladesh in early June before injuring his shoulder. His return will be significant as he is likely to replace Salman Ali Agha as the national T20 captain. Before the operation, he was the vice-captain in the format.
The 27-year-old has already led Pakistan in T20 cricket and also has vast captaincy experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic cricket. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is fully behind Salman Ali Agha for now, a reliable source said that they are eyeing Shadab as a long-term captain in the T20 format as there was much talk after the Asia Cup about whether Salman justifies a place in the T20 format as a player himself.
A reliable source said that Shadab will return to action in the bilateral home series against Sri Lanka between November 11-15 as his rehabilitation is progressing well. With doubts over whether the PCB could host the planned tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka from November 19, the source said it was certain that the national selectors would want to try Shadab in the Sri Lanka series.
“He also plans to play a home four-day match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy before the Sri Lankan series,” the source said.
Pakistan have scheduled a series of T20 matches to prepare for next year’s FIFA World Cup, with a home series against Australia wrapping up preparations in January. There is also talk of resting Shaheen Shah Afridi and dropping Haris Rauf for the Sri Lanka series to keep them fresh for the World Cup.
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Published on:
October 16, 2025
