Pakistan’s T20 vice-captain Shadab Khan is expected to be sidelined for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. The star all-rounder underwent surgery in the UK in July, forcing him to miss the recent series against Bangladesh and the ongoing tour of the West Indies. Medical experts estimate he will need at least three months to regain full fitness, putting his return timeline around October 2025—well after the tournament concludes.
The Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, will see Pakistan open their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by a high-voltage clash with arch-rivals India on September 14. Shadab’s absence leaves a significant gap in the squad, both as a key spin bowler and a dynamic middle-order batsman.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce a replacement or decide whether to appoint a new vice-captain for the tournament. With Shadab’s recovery period extending beyond the event, selectors will need to finalize their squad soon, potentially reshaping the team’s balance ahead of the marquee competition.