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Pakistan’s star all-rounder and T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to international cricket, as the national selectors consider including him in the setup ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka in February–March next year.
According to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the national selection committee, in consultation with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, is keen to reintegrate Shadab into the side to help him regain form and rhythm before the global tournament.
The 27-year-old has reportedly cleared all major fitness assessments, with both the medical panel and team physiotherapist satisfied with his recovery progress. Shadab has been bowling full spells in the nets and has shown no signs of discomfort following his recent shoulder surgery.
Strong Return in Practice Match
On Monday, Shadab participated in a practice match at the LCCA Ground (Lahore City Cricket Association) alongside emerging pacer Ali Raza, marking an important milestone in his comeback journey. Both players had recently completed their rehabilitation programs at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
In a video shared by the PCB, Ali Raza could be seen bowling with fiery pace and troubling the batters, while Shadab impressed with his composed performance — controlling his flight, turn, and pace with ease. The footage also showed him striking confidently with the bat, signaling an all-round recovery.
Their performances were closely monitored by academy coaches and support staff. Aqib Javed, Director of the National High-Performance Centre (NHPC), was also present to observe their progress. Reports indicate that the selectors were particularly encouraged by Shadab’s control and consistency after a lengthy absence from competitive cricket.
Overcoming Shoulder Surgery
Shadab’s return to fitness follows months of careful rehabilitation after he underwent shoulder surgery in the United Kingdom earlier this year. The leg-spinner had been struggling with persistent discomfort in his right shoulder, an issue that flared up before Pakistan’s T20I series against Bangladesh in Dhaka in July.
Following medical consultations, surgery was deemed necessary to address the problem completely and prevent further setbacks. The procedure was successful, and Shadab began his gradual recovery under the supervision of Pakistan’s medical and coaching teams.
Last month, he resumed full training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, participating in bowling, batting, and fielding sessions. Coaches overseeing his recovery expressed satisfaction with his work ethic, fitness levels, and readiness to return to international competition.
Missed Assignments During Recovery
Due to his surgery and rehabilitation process, Shadab missed several major international assignments for Pakistan. These included:
- The T20I series against Bangladesh (away)
- The white-ball tour of the West Indies
- The tri-nation T20I series featuring UAE and Afghanistan
- The ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025
- The white-ball home series against South Africa
He has also not been named in the current squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka or the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Despite this, the team management is optimistic that Shadab will be match-ready in time for Pakistan’s pre-World Cup fixtures early next year.
Performance Before Injury
Before his injury layoff, Shadab last featured for Pakistan in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at home, where he made key contributions with both bat and ball. He claimed four wickets across the series and chipped in with scores of 48 and 7 runs in two innings, highlighting his importance as an all-round option in Pakistan’s middle order.
Known for his sharp leg-spin, electric fielding, and ability to accelerate the scoring rate under pressure, Shadab remains one of Pakistan’s most versatile and reliable T20 players. His leadership experience, having served as vice-captain during the white-ball tour of New Zealand earlier this year, further strengthens his case for a swift return.
Selectors Eye World Cup Momentum
With the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup less than four months away, Pakistan’s selectors are eager to finalize a balanced squad that blends youth with experience. Shadab’s return could provide the ideal mix, offering the team a proven match-winner who can contribute across all three departments.
Sources close to the PCB have confirmed that discussions are underway to include Shadab in Pakistan’s upcoming T20I fixtures to help him regain competitive match fitness.
“Shadab is a vital part of Pakistan’s T20 setup,” one insider said. “The coaches are impressed with his recovery and form in practice. If he maintains this level, his comeback before the World Cup is almost certain.”
Looking Ahead
For Pakistan, Shadab’s successful return could be a major boost as they prepare for one of the most competitive T20 World Cups in recent memory. The team’s management views him as a crucial asset — not just for his bowling variations, but also for his leadership qualities and calm presence under pressure.
If all goes according to plan, fans could see Shadab Khan donning the green jersey again in early 2026, just in time to help Pakistan mount a strong challenge for T20 cricket’s biggest prize.
