Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is progressing in his rehab to such an extent that he could make his international return as early as this month.
According to sources, the T20I vice-captain is on track for a much-anticipated return to international cricket, with strong indications that he will feature in the upcoming T20 Tri-Nation Series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Both the selection committee and head coach Mike Hesson are reportedly keen to reintegrate Shadab into Pakistan’s T20 setup as early as possible—not only to formalize the team combination ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, but also to ensure the star all-rounder gains valuable match time before the global event. The medical panel and team physio have reportedly given positive feedback on Shadab’s fitness, confirming that the Islamabad United captain has made significant progress in his recovery. The 27-year-old has already begun bowling full spells in the nets, signaling that his shoulder is back to full strength.
Shadab, who has been out of action since undergoing shoulder surgery in July, is now close to completing his full rehabilitation cycle. His potential inclusion in the tri-series could be a major boost for Salman Ali Agha’s side, especially given his dual role as a reliable bowler and dynamic batter.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has already announced the squad for the tri-series, meaning Shadab’s addition will have to be confirmed separately.
If cleared for selection, Shadab’s comeback would mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s white-ball plans and offer fans the return of one of the team’s most experienced and impactful performers.
All eyes will now be on whether Shadab Khan is added to the squad for the tri-series, as Pakistan looks to regain momentum and build toward another dominant run in global T20 cricket.