KARACHI( The COW News Digital)Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is set to undergo shoulder surgery on Friday in London, ruling him out of the upcoming series against Bangladesh and West Indies. His availability for the 2025 Asia Cup also hangs in the balance, as doctors estimate a recovery period of 6 to 12 weeks.
The 26-year-old vice-captain has been dealing with shoulder discomfort for several months, which escalated during the recent home series against Bangladesh. According to sources, Shadab experienced pain while throwing and even while delivering his trademark googlies, prompting further medical investigation during his private trip to the UK. An MRI scan in England revealed the full extent of the injury, leading doctors to recommend immediate surgical intervention.
Shadab had most recently served as the deputy to Salman Ali Agha during the New Zealand and Bangladesh series. He took 4 wickets and scored 55 runs in two innings against Bangladesh. However, he has now made the difficult decision to step away temporarily for long-term fitness.
“Shadab understands the importance of addressing this issue now,” said a source close to the team. “He still has a long career ahead and dreams of helping Pakistan win the 2026 T20 World Cup, so delaying surgery was not an option.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly aware of the situation and is likely to bear the cost of the procedure, as Shadab is a centrally contracted player.
His absence will be felt deeply by Pakistan, especially with the tight international calendar ahead. The timing also puts his Asia Cup participation in serious doubt, as the recovery window overlaps with the tournament’s scheduled dates.
Despite his young age, Shadab has already represented Pakistan in 6 Tests, 70 ODIs, and 112 T20 Internationals, scoring 1,947 runs and taking 211 wickets across formats. Known for his sharp leg-spin and electric fielding, Shadab has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s white-ball setup in recent years.
Fans and cricket analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his recovery unfolds, as the team prepares for crucial international commitments without one of its most experienced all-rounders.
