Shadab Khan Unlikely to Participate in Asia Cup 2025 Due to Recovery

Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s T20 vice-captain, is expected to be absent from the Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.

The all-rounder underwent surgery in the UK in July after suffering a shoulder injury. Consequently, he was sidelined for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh and the ongoing tour of the West Indies.

Insiders reveal that Shadab needs a minimum of three months to regain complete fitness and be ready for competitive cricket once more.

This recovery period makes his presence at the Asia Cup improbable, with his return anticipated in October.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet selected a replacement for the vice-captain.

During the Bangladesh series, no one was appointed as vice-captain in Shadab’s absence, and the squad selected for the West Indies tour also did not include a designated deputy to captain Salman Ali Agha.

The PCB has yet to issue an official recovery timeline or verify any plans regarding his possible return.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently revealed the schedule for the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, confirming that India and Pakistan will compete on September 14 in the UAE.

This edition will use the T20 format and act as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will have eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, whereas Group B features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The event starts on September 9 with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Pakistan will commence their campaign on September 12 against Oman, and then play against India two days later.

If both teams secure a place in the top two of their group, they will likely meet again in the Super Four stage on September 21. The final match is scheduled for September 28.