Shadab Khan set for T20I return: Players he could replace in Pakistan squad for SL tour

Players whom Shadab cam replace in T20Is [Source: AFP Photo]

In the latest development, Pakistan’s forgotten all-rounder, Shadab Khan, is set to make his T20I comeback against Sri Lanka next month. The all-rounder experienced a slump in form and was dropped from the team by the selectors, a decision that was deemed harsh. The Pakistan team did well in recent times without him, but now they are willing to have him back.

He last played a T20I game for Pakistan in June 2025, and since then, the management has preferred other all-rounders. However, with Shadab returning, Pakistan might have to replace him with someone in the current team, and here are the players who could be dropped to incorporate Shadab.

What Shadab brings to the table for Pakistan

• He brings a wealth of experience, having played 112 T20I matches and performed well for the team. In events like the T20 World Cup, the team needs a bit of experience in the middle-order, something that has been missing this year.
• Plus, his all-round record is also commendable in this format, and the stats tell the entire story.

(Shadab in T20Is)

• 112 matches played, a strike rate of 140 and the same number of wickets picked as the matches played, Shadab Khan has been outstanding for Pakistan.
• More than his batting, Pakistan need a wicket-taking all-rounder, and Shadab fits the bill perfectly.

Players who could be dropped if Shadab Khan returns

1) Faheem Ashraf

Faheem Ashraf was Pakistan’s best player in the Asia Cup 2025 campaign, but since then, the numbers have gone downhill, and the all-rounder has not done much (both with bat and ball). Pakistan head coach, Mike Hesson has heavily relied on Ashraf in the recently concluded tri-series, but the player has failed to live up to the all-rounder’s tag.

(Ashraf in T20Is in last two series)

• Just 15 runs in the last two T20I tournaments and a strike rate of 100 define Ashraf’s journey. He was outstanding in the Asia Cup, but the numbers dipped massively as he failed to do anything significant.
• He also had no contribution with the ball, as an all-rounder grabbed just 8 wickets and was not threatening with the ball and the batters found it easy to tackle him. By replacing him with Shadab, Pakistan will be getting a proven match-winner in T20Is.

2) Abdul Samad

• For some reason, hard-hitting batter Abdul Samad was picked in the squad for the tri-series, but he didn’t get to play a single game. Instead of trusting him in the middle-order, Pakistan demoted Fakhar Zaman in the middle-order, and with Usman Khan also doing well, there was no place for Samad in the lineup.
• Hence, why keep a player in the squad when he is not a part of the T20I plans? It would be better if the team gets Shadab Khan, a proven performer and someone who can easily slot in the middle-order to do the damage with both bat and ball.

---

ALSO READ

Babar, Shaheen among PAK stars to miss BBL 2025-26 matches due to Sri Lanka T20Is: Report

---