January 14, 2026
All-rounder Shadab Khan pulls out of BBL, confirming he will not rejoin Sydney Thunder for their final fixture of the season. The development marks a clear BBL 15 withdrawal, shaped by timing rather than form.
Shadab confirmed the decision through a personal message on social media. He thanked the franchise for the opportunity and spoke positively about his short spell. He praised the dressing room and support staff, making it clear the exit was practical, not personal.
Shadab’s availability was always linked to Pakistan’s international commitments. After leaving Australia to feature in the recent T20I series, his return remained uncertain. With Sydney Thunder already eliminated and only one match left on the schedule, the call became straightforward. In that context, Shadab Khan pulls out of BBL 15 action without any late rethink.
Across six appearances for Sydney Thunder, Shadab contributed in both departments. Seven wickets arrived at useful moments. The bat chipped in as well, with 104 runs spread across measured cameos rather than headline knocks, and this kind of output teams value in a compressed season.
The withdrawal also reflects Shadab’s rising workload with Pakistan, as his recent return to international cricket against Sri Lanka marked a key step after months of recovery.
In the series opener, he looked sharp with two wickets in the middle overs, and an unbeaten 18 guided the chase home without fuss. The player-of-the-match award followed, but more importantly, his body responded well under pressure.
It was his first appearance for Pakistan since June 2025, following right-shoulder surgery in England. That injury forced him to miss major assignments, including the Asia Cup.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Shadab Khan’s BBL 15 withdrawal means workload balance and focus on national duties, nothing else. Missing a dead rubber allows Shadab to reset rather than rush back into competitive action.
For Sydney Thunder, the season ends without their overseas all-rounder. For Shadab Khan, National duty comes first, with fitness the top priority, and it is just a professional pause, timed with purpose.