Shadab Khan Set to Return for Pakistan Ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan looks all set to make his long-awaited return to international cricket. The selectors, along with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, are keen to bring him back before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Few saw this coming so quickly. Just a few months ago, Shadab was still in rehab, fighting off shoulder pain that had kept him away from the game.

The 27-year-old has now cleared all major fitness hurdles. Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirm that both the medical staff and the physiotherapist are pleased with his progress. He’s bowling full spells again, and that’s the biggest sign of confidence.

On Monday, Shadab joined emerging pacer Ali Raza for a practice match at the LCCA Ground. That session drew quite a few eyes. Director of the National High-Performance Centre, Aqib Javed, watched closely as the pair went through their paces. The energy was there. You could sense it.

A video shared by the PCB showed Shadab hitting his stride with both bat and ball. Ali Raza’s pace caught attention too, but it was Shadab’s sharp turns and calm body language that really stood out. He looks in control again.

Shadab underwent shoulder surgery in the United Kingdom earlier this year to fix a recurring issue that had plagued him since the home T20Is against Bangladesh. Surgery was the last resort, and it worked.

He resumed light training at the National Cricket Academy last month, gradually returning to fielding and bowling drills. That patience seems to be paying off.

Shadab last played for Pakistan in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at home, where he picked up four wickets and chipped in with 48 and 7 runs. He missed a string of key tours since then, from the Asia Cup to the South Africa series, but now, the comeback trail looks clear.

He has that energy and spark that the team needs. And if his recent form is any sign, Shadab Khan’s next chapter with Pakistan might just arrive sooner than anyone expected.