If the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is looking for a new captain for the T20 cricket team, it may not have to look too far, as Shadab Khan has expressed interest in the role.
The leg-spinner shared his willingness to take on the T20I captaincy if offered by the PCB while answering fan questions during a recent appearance on a TV programme. Shadab confirmed that he would accept the role if called upon, showcasing his readiness to lead the national side in the shortest format of the game.
While the talk of a new Pakistan captain is still speculative at this point, Pakistan’s abysmal Champions Trophy campaign may lead to wholesale changes. Mohammad Rizwan’s position as captain may not be as secure as many believe.
The PCB is likely to implement new strategies in the coming months, which could involve three separate teams for all three formats. This makes the possibility of Shadab Khan becoming the next T20 captain not too far-fetched.
The 26-year-old also has experience in the role, having recently captained the Pakistan Shaheens. His record as the skipper of Islamabad United and various domestic teams already highlights his abilities as a capable leader.
A slight hitch in any such plans is Shadab’s absence from Pakistan’s T20 setup for some time now. He last played an international T20 in June 2024, as Pakistan turned to other spinners to carry the bowling load. However, he will have a chance to make his case as he leads Islamabad United once again in the upcoming PSL season 10.
A potential new T20 captain could signal a new era for Pakistan in the shortest format. Whether that captain is Shadab Khan or someone else, only time will tell.
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