Pakistan’s vice-captain, Shadab Khan, is unlikely to participate in the Asia Cup 2025 as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained earlier this year.
The 26-year-old all-rounder underwent surgery in the UK earlier in July after the injury worsened, which had already kept him out of the T20I series against Bangladesh and the ongoing tour of the West Indies. Medical experts estimate that Shadab will need at least three months to fully recover, making his return before October unlikely and ruling him out of the Asia Cup scheduled in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet announced a replacement for the T20 vice-captaincy. No deputy was named during the Bangladesh series, and the squad currently in the Caribbean also lacks an official second-in-command under stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha. PCB is yet to issue a formal update on Shadab’s recovery timeline.
Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council has finalized the tournament schedule. Pakistan will face Oman in their opening match on September 12, with a highly awaited clash against India set for September 14 in Dubai. This year’s Asia Cup, held in the T20 format, will serve as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Eight teams are competing, divided into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman; Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The tournament opens with Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong on September 9 and concludes with the final on September 28.
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