Shadab Khan Archives

Shadab powers Sydney Thunder to first win of BBL 15

CANBERRA: Shadab Khan’s decisive four-over spell and Matthew Gilkes gutsy knock propelled Sydney Thunder to a 34-run victory over Brisbane Heat in the ninth fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Manuka Oval on Monday.

Set 194, Heat fell short and could only score 159 for six at the end of their 20 overs.

Matt Renshaw, who scored a century in his previous outing, remained the top-scorer for Heat with 43 runs to his name. The left-hander hit four boundaries and a six in his 28-ball knock.

Colin Munro and Jack Wildermuth started positively in the chase, adding 37 in 4.4 overs before Shadab Khan removed both batters in an over to halt their proceedings.

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Munro was caught for 18 while Wildermuth could not get going after making 15.

As a result, Brisbane Heat were 38-2 in 5 overs as Matt Renshaw and Hugh Weibgen paired up and launched a recovery.

The duo’s 70-run partnership off 47 balls took the score over the 100-run mark and brought Sydney Thunder back in the game.

However, the protagonist Shadab was again in the moment, who cleaned up Renshaw to give Sydney Thunder a breakthrough. Soon after, Weibgen followed him and was bowled by Daniel Sams for 30.

Consequently, Heat slumped to 108-3 to 115-4 in 14.3 overs.

With the required run-rate creeping up, Thunder mounted pressure with economical bowling and quick wickets, which put Heat out of the game.

The right-arm leg-spinner Shadab again proved beneficial with his 17th over, which yielded only 2 runs and a wicket, leaving the equation at 62 off 18 balls.

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In the end, the target proved too much and handed Sydney Thunder their first win of the season.

For Sydney Thunder, Shadab Khan took a four-wicket haul, whereas Daniel Sams managed to pick two.

Earlier, Brisbane Heat invited Thunder to bat first, a decision they capitalized on as they racked up 193-4 at the end of their innings.

Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes remained the cornerstone of a solid foundation, both putting up 127 in 13.2 overs on the board.

Konstas hit eight fours in his 45-ball 63, while Gilkes’ 76 off 48 included four boundaries and three sixes.

The solid foundation was enough for a big total as Sam Billings provided the Thunder innings impetus with a quick-fire 25 off 11 balls, laced with two sixes and two fours.

For Brisbane Heat, Jack Wildermuth managed to scalp two wickets in his quota of four overs.

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Shadab Khan excited for Babar Azam clash in BBL comeback

Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan has expressed his excitement not only about returning to competitive cricket but also about a much-anticipated showdown with compatriot Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025.

The leg-spinner underwent right-shoulder surgery on July 5 in England after persistent discomfort and multiple medical consultations.

The procedure sidelined him for nearly five months, ruling him out of several major assignments, including the Asia Cup 2025.

Now fully recovered, Shadab Khan is set to return to action in the BBL, where he will represent the Sydney Thunder, his first major appearance since surgery.

Speaking exclusively to ARY News, he said his ambition is simple: make a strong, impactful comeback.

“This is my first event after surgery,” Shadab said. “Because of the surgery, I stayed away from cricket for almost five months.”

“But I’ve completed my preparation for the Big Bash League, and my only aim is to play good cricket and make a strong comeback.”

With multiple Pakistani stars featuring across franchises, Shadab believes this season will attract heightened interest.

“Pakistan’s big-name players will be in action this time,” he said. “Because of Pakistani players, the Big Bash is getting even more attention.”

One of the biggest storylines of the season will be Shadab going head-to-head with former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who will represent the Sydney Sixers.

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The two sides meet twice in the high-voltage Sydney Derby, first on 20 December and again on 16 January.

“Babar and I have played together a lot,” Shadab said. “We understand each other’s mindset. It will be fun when Babar and I face each other on Australian soil.”

Shadab Khan also spoke about the experience of sharing a dressing room with top Australian names.

“Playing alongside David Warner and other Australian players will be a unique experience,” he said.

Reflecting on his recovery, the all-rounder said highs and lows are part of the sport.

“Injuries and being out of form are part of a player’s life,” he admitted. “I accept that I’ve been through that phase too.”

He stressed the importance of all-rounders contributing in every department.

“An all-rounder should focus on both batting and bowling,” he said. “It’s wrong to think that if your batting isn’t going well, your bowling won’t help either. Playing different roles according to the team and the situation is not a bad thing.”

With a strong Pakistani presence expected in the stands, Shadab said fan support plays a key role in boosting confidence.

“There is a large number of Pakistani fans in Australia,” he said. “We get energy from the fans.”

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WATCH: Shadab Khan back in action at National Cricket Academy

LAHORE: Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has resumed training here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year.

Shadab took part in bowling and fielding sessions under the supervision of NCA coaches in a bid to make a comeback into the national side.

For context, the leg spinner had undergone surgery on his right shoulder in England on July 5.

The need for surgery came after multiple consultations and persistent discomfort in his right shoulder for some time. The surgery eventually ruled him out of several key assignments for Pakistan, including the Asia Cup 2025.

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Since then, Shadab has been part of the PCB’s structured rehabilitation program, focusing on regaining strength, flexibility, and match readiness.

Shadab’s last appearance for Pakistan came in the three-match T20I series at home against Bangladesh, where he picked up four wickets and scored 48 and 7 in two innings.

For the unversed, the all-rounder remained a vital cog in Pakistan’s white-ball triumphs, and his comeback could boost the team’s chances ahead of the packed calendar.

Following the South Africa series, Pakistan are set to play Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in a maiden tri-series on home soil. The series will provide the Green Shirts with ample opportunity to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The opening match of the series will begin on November 17 with the hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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WATCH: Shadab Khan returns to action after injury layoff

Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan resumed training on Saturday in a bid to make his return to international cricket following surgery for a recurring shoulder injury.

The 27-year-old resumed his practice and physical training, which was seen in a video posted on his social media account.

Shadab was seen doing intense rehabilitation exercises, gym workouts, and bowling practice.

“Rehab work ongoing, back training on all aspects! Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer,” he wrote.

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For the unversed, the leg spinner had undergone surgery on his right shoulder on July 5 in England.

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Since then, Shadab has been part of the PCB’s structured rehabilitation program, focusing on regaining strength, flexibility, and match readiness.

Shadab’s last appearance for Pakistan came in the three-match T20I series at home against Bangladesh, where he picked up four wickets and scored 48 and 7 in two innings.

For the unversed, the all-rounder remained a vital cog in Pakistan’s white-ball and his comeback will boost the team’s chances ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

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Ashwin Joins Shadab Khan at Sydney Thunder in BBL

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to link up with Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan at Sydney Thunder after sealing a two-season deal with the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise.

The move makes Ashwin the first capped Indian men’s cricketer to feature in the competition, marking a breakthrough moment in league history.

While Indian players have been a regular feature in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), BCCI restrictions have long prevented active men’s internationals from playing overseas franchise cricket.

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Ashwin’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year cleared the path for overseas stints.

Several franchises pursued the veteran spinner for his maiden BBL stint. After discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) officials and multiple clubs, Ashwin chose Sydney Thunder, with general manager Trent Copeland leading the negotiations.

The Thunder, coached by Trevor Bayliss and captained by David Warner, finished as finalists last season.

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Ashwin’s addition strengthens their spin department at Engie Stadium, one of the most spin-friendly venues in the BBL.

He joins a squad that already includes overseas recruits Shadab Khan, Sam Billings, and Lockie Ferguson, alongside local spinners Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, and Tom Andrews.

The off-spinner also secured a separate marketing agreement with Cricket Australia, ensuring his presence boosts both on-field competition and off-field promotion.

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Shaheen becomes Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is

ABU DHABI: Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi on Tuesday went past Shadab Khan to become the second-highest wicket taker for Pakistan in the T20Is.

Shaheen reached the feat during Pakistan’s clash against Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours played here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The 25-year-old surpassed Shadab after removing Sri Lanka’s openers– Patthum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Before heading into the match, Shaheen Afridi had scalped 111 wickets in 89 games.

Most wickets for Pakistan in Men’s T20Is

Haris Rauf – 128 wickets in 89 innings
Shaheen Shah Afridi – 113 wickets in 90 innings*
Shadab Khan – 112 wickets in 104 innings
Shahid Afridi – 97 wickets in 96 innings
Saeed Ajmal – 85 wickets in 60 innings

Overall, Shaheen Afridi took three wickets in his four overs and gave away 28 runs. Courtesy of his bowling effort, Sri Lanka were restricted to a modest 133-run total in their 20 overs.

It is pertinent to mention that Shaheen Afridi picked only three wickets in five games before playing the match against Sri Lanka.

However, he played crucial cameos with the bat to lift Pakistan out of trouble in the group stage fixtures of the Asia Cup 2025 against India and UAE.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt.), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan pay tribute to Asif Ali after retirement

Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and the current vice-captain of the T20I team, Shadab Khan, shared heartfelt tributes honoring the career of hard-hitting batter Asif Ali.

Asif announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, concluding a seven-year career in which he represented Pakistan in 79 white-ball matches.

Sarfaraz and Shadab expressed their admiration for Asif’s talent and praised his services to Pakistan cricket through social media posts.

Shadab Khan referred to the 33-year-old as more than a teammate, calling him a brother and wishing him all the best for the future.

“Happy retirement to one of the best teammates and a brother. Best wishes for the next chapter in your career, Asif bhai,” Shadab wrote.

In the meantime, Sarfaraz Ahmed commended him for his dedication and enthusiasm for the game.

“Congratulations aachi on a wonderful international career. You’ve worn the colors with pride and passion. Wishing you continued success in all that lies ahead @asif9741. All the best buddy,” Sarfaraz wrote.

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Asif Ali announced his decision on Monday night via social media, expressing pride in representing Pakistan at the international level.

“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Asif wrote.

“Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter.

“To my fans, teammates and coaches, thank you for your love, belief and support through every high and low.

“To my family and friends, who stood with me in moments of joy and in the deepest of trials, including the loss of my beloved daughter during the World Cup, your strength carried me forward.”

Asif Ali played for Pakistan in 58 T20Is and 21 ODIs from 2018 to 2023. His last appearance for Pakistan was against Bangladesh in October 2023, during the Asian Games.

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Shadab Khan provides fitness update ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has shared an update on his recovery from a shoulder injury, which has ruled him out of the national team’s key fixtures, including the Asia Cup 2025.

A month earlier, Shadab Khan underwent a successful shoulder surgery in the United Kingdom (UK).

The 26-year-old persistent injury had already ruled him out of the T20I series against Bangladesh and the white-ball tour of the West Indies.

Notably, Shadab Khan was named as vice-captain during Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand at the start of this year.

Despite the absence of Shadab Khan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not named Salman Ali Agha’s deputy in the shorter format of the game.

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Shadab took to his social media handle, where he shared the update regarding his road to recovery.

“Alhamdulillah, the sling is off, on the road to recovery now. Thank you for all your support & prayers,” he wrote on X.

For context, the Pakistan team is set to participate in a tri-series against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is scheduled to begin on August 29.

Following the series, Pakistan will feature in the eight-team Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 9, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening fixture.

The highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 14.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are grouped together with the UAE and Oman, while Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong form Group B.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

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Haris Rauf ruled out as Pakistan names squad for Bangladesh T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad, excluding pacer Haris Rauf, for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on July 20.

Salman Ali Agha will lead the T20I side, while vice-captain Shadab Khan and pacer Haris Rauf have been ruled out due to injuries.

The squad for the white-ball series against West Indies will be announced in due course.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf is not part of the squad due to an injury he sustained during the Major League Cricket (MLC) match. The right-arm pacer has suffered a Grade 1 hamstring injury during the San Francisco Unicorns’ clash against the Texas Super Kings.

Meanwhile, Shadab Khan had successful shoulder surgery in the UK to address ongoing issues with his right shoulder. The procedure was carried out effectively, bringing relief from the discomfort he had been experiencing for some time.

Among the notable inclusions are left-arm pacer Salman Mirza and Sufiyan Moqim.

Sufiyan has made a return to the side after featuring in the New Zealand tour while Salman has earned his maiden call up for the national team following impressive performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

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The opening match is scheduled for July 20, followed by the second T20I on July 22 and the third on July 24.

After wrapping up the Bangladesh tour, the Green Shirts will travel to the United States of America (USA) to face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series in Florida, set to take place from August 1 to 4.

Both sides will then head to Trinidad and Tobago for a three-match ODI series scheduled between August 8 and 12.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the final T20I and ODI squads for both assignments in the coming days.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim

Team management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

Pakistan tour of Bangladesh schedule

1st T20I – July 20, Dhaka

2nd T20I – July 22, Dhaka

3rd T20I – July 24, Dhaka

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Shadab Khan undergoes successful shoulder surgery in UK

Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has undergone successful surgery on his right shoulder in the United Kingdom (UK), the star all-rounder confirmed on Saturday through a post on social media.

“Alhamdulillah, the surgery went well. Recovery and rehab up next. Request you to keep me in your prayers,” Shadab wrote, sharing a picture from his hospital bed on X (formerly Twitter).

The experienced all-rounder had been struggling with persistent discomfort in his right shoulder for some time.

After multiple consultations, surgery was deemed the best option, and he is now expected to be sidelined for at least three months.

As a result, Shadab Khan is likely to be ruled out of Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball assignments against Bangladesh and the West Indies.

Meanwhile, his availability for the Asia Cup in September is also uncertain at this stage.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially comment on his recovery timeline or provide clarity on his return.

Meanwhile, sources suggest that the squad for the upcoming series could be announced next week.

While no major changes are expected, the inclusion of left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is reportedly under serious consideration.

Preparations for the Bangladesh tour will begin with a training camp at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium from July 7.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dhaka on July 16, with the three-match T20I series to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on July 20, 22, and 24, respectively.

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