Shadab Khan Injured; Replacements That Pakistan Could Consider For Asia Cup 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Iftikhar can be an alternative for Shadab [Source: @HassanAbbasian, @kaustats/X]Iftikhar can be an alternative for Shadab [Source: @HassanAbbasian, @kaustats/X]

According to emerging reports, veteran Pakistan cricketer Shadab Khan is unlikely to participate in the Asia Cup 2025. The all-rounder is struggling with a shoulder injury, which is likely to rule him out of the tournament. 

Shadab has been an exceptional all-rounder in the T20 format. In 112 T20I matches, he has struck 792 runs besides scalping 112 wickets for Pakistan. 

Thus, considering his experience and incredible all-round attributes, Shadab’s absence will be a massive blow for Pakistan in the mega event. As the Men in Green face serious concern, here are three potential replacements for the injured all-rounder. 

Qasim Akram

Qasim Akram is a promising all-rounder from Pakistan and has represented the country in four T20I matches. He is a right-handed middle order batter and off-spin bowler, having been significantly impactful in the limited-overs cricket. 

Akram has had a decent T20 career, amassing 1074 runs and scalping 37 wickets in the format. He can be a valuable addition to the Pakistan team that is searching for a quality alternative for Shadab for the Asia Cup. 

Iftikhar Ahmed

Veteran cricketer Iftikhar Ahmed has been a proven performer for Pakistan in white-ball cricket. In 55 innings, Iftikhar has amassed 998 runs at a strike rate of 129.1. He is a clean striker of the ball and can also offer a few overs of handy off-spin. 

The experienced all-rounder was impressive in the recently concluded Global Super League. Playing for Rangpur Riders, Iftikhar slammed 130 runs at an average of 43.33 and a strike rate of 142.86. He also bagged five wickets, showcasing his mettle with the ball in the competition. 

Although Iftikhar has one of the discards from the T20I setup of late, Shadab’s unfortunate injury might force Pakistan to recall him into their setup. 

Saud Shakeel

Pakistan’s Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has also been phenomenal in white-ball cricket at the domestic level. Being an excellent player of spin and pace, the swashbuckling southpaw offers a flexible batting option to the Pakistani team management. 

In 63 T20 matches, Shakeel has scored 1392 runs at a decent strike rate of 129.48. He has bagged 13 wickets with his left-arm off-spin, exhibiting his bowling prowess in the domestic circuit. 

Shakeel has been a proven performer in the National T20 as well as the Pakistan Super League. So, with Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman all set to be picked as the first-choice all-rounders, the left-hander can be a quality backup for Shadab in the squad.