Pakistan's trump card ruled out of Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is all set to undergo shoulder surgery this coming Friday in London. As a result, the all-rounder will miss the upcoming series against Bangladesh and likely against the West Indies as well.
The Asia Cup still has some time to come; however, his participation in the continental tournament has been thrown into doubt due to the scheduled surgery. After such a major surgery, it is expected that the player would need a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks for his recovery.
This month, Pakistan has their tour scheduled for Bangladesh; however, Shadab will not be present due to the surgery performed just this week. Reports suggested that the Pakistan spinner had experienced shoulder discomfort for some time. MRI scans revealed the severity, and the doctor advised him to have immediate surgery.
Considering his long career ahead, Shadab also did not take any risks and immediately agreed to the surgery.
Shadab Khan eyes leadership roles for ICC tournaments ahead
Shadab Khan was named the vice-captain of the national side that played on a tour to New Zealand and then the subsequent series against Bangladesh at home.
He was also seen leading Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, a domestic T20 tournament. The team was the defending champions from the previous season; however, they failed to defend their title this season.
Shadab Khan also seems determined to lead the national team to a title win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, as a result of which he went for this immediate surgery so that he could make a strong comeback post-surgery.
Shadab Khan has featured in 6 Tests, 70 ODIs, and 112 T20 internationals as of now, while the 26-year-old still has much cricket awaiting him in the coming years. He has picked up a startling 211 wickets across all formats.
Also Read: 'Jitna bada vo superstar hai, as a human vo...': Shadab Khan's bold remarks on Virat Kohli
IND might play against PAK in the Asia Cup 2025
After a tentative schedule was leaked for the Asia Cup 2025, it took the internet by storm, as the IND vs PAK match was speculated to be scheduled for the Asia Cup and was to be played on the 7th of September.
Also, some speculations confirmed the Asia Cup 2025 Indo-Pak match will be played at a neutral venue in the United Arab Emirates. This immediately infuriated the Indian fans; however, Shadab would be Pakistan's trump card if they feature against India in the Asia Cup.
When was the last time Pakistan won an Asia Cup title?
The Men In Green have not been the most successful side in the Asia Cup, as most of the titles have been won by India and Sri Lanka. With them never winning the T20 format of the game, they have also had a huge gap of almost a decade before they laid their hands on the trophy.
Pakistan has won the Asia Cup title just twice, the first time in 2000 when they won their maiden ODI title and backed it with a second title in 2012 in the ODI format. India is the most successful team with 8 titles, of which they have 7 ODI and 1 T20I Asia Cup titles.
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