Shadab Khan likely to miss Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan is expected to miss the Asia Cup 2025 after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this month in the United Kingdom.

The 26-year-old all-rounder sustained the injury earlier this year and was already sidelined from Pakistan's recent T20I series against Bangladesh and the ongoing tour of the West Indies.

Following medical advice, Shadab underwent surgery in July after the issue worsened. Recovery is projected to take at least three months, ruling him out of contention for the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce a formal replacement for the T20 vice-captaincy. During Shadab’s absence in recent assignments, no deputy was named, including the current series in the Caribbean, where Salman Ali Agha is leading the side without an official vice-captain.

The PCB has not issued an official update regarding Shadab’s rehabilitation timeline.

Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council has confirmed the full schedule for the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup, which will be played in the T20 format. The tournament will serve as a preparatory event for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The competition will feature eight teams split into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by a match against arch-rivals India on September 14 in Dubai.

The tournament will open with a Group B clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9. The final is scheduled for September 28. If Pakistan and India progress to the Super Four stage, they could meet again on September 21.