NEW DELHI: Seasoned all-rounder Shadab Khan is set to return to the Pakistan T20 side and is expected to lead the team in the shortest format after completing his rehabilitation from a shoulder surgery he underwent in England earlier this year.
Shadab, who has played 70 ODIs and 112 T20 Internationals, last featured in a home series against Bangladesh in June before the injury sidelined him. His comeback is likely to see him replace Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20 captain, having previously served as vice-captain in the format.
The 27-year-old brings considerable leadership experience, having captained Pakistan in T20s before, as well as leading in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic cricket.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) currently supports Salman Ali Agha, sources indicate that Shadab is being viewed as a long-term T20 captain, especially given questions raised after the Asia Cup about Salman’s role in the side.
According to insiders, Shadab is expected to return during the home bilateral series against Sri Lanka from November 11 to 15, with his rehab progressing smoothly. The selectors are keen to test him in this series, particularly as there is uncertainty over the planned tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka beginning November 19.
“He is planning to also play a domestic four-day match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy ahead of the Sri Lanka series,” the source added.
Pakistan’s schedule includes a series of T20 matches leading up to next year’s T20 World Cup, culminating with a home series against Australia in January to fine-tune preparations. Discussions are also underway about resting Shaheen Shah Afridi and possibly dropping Haris Rauf for the Sri Lanka series to keep them fresh for the World Cup campaign.
(With PTI Inputs)
