Shadab Khan Likely to be Ruled Out of Asia Cup 2025: 3 Players Who Could Replace Him

Reports have confirmed that Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan is likely to miss the Asia Cup 2025. The all-rounder has been struggling with a recurring shoulder injury and doctors have now advised surgery.

Shadab has been managing the injury for some time but the issue has worsened. According to the PCB’s medical staff, surgery is the only option to fix the problem completely. He will be reportedly out of action for at least three months. He is expected to travel to London soon for the operation. 

This means Shadab Khan will not be available for the upcoming Asia Cup, which will begin in September in the UAE. Shadab’s absence leaves a big gap in Pakistan’s middle-order and bowling unit. 

Also read: WCL 2025: India Legends to boycott playing against Pakistan Legends in the semis: Report

Likely Replacements of Shadab Khan for Asia Cup 2025

• Qasim Akram

The selectors now face a crucial decision in finding a replacement who can balance the side in both departments. Among the names being considered is Qasim Akram, a promising 22-year-old all-rounder who has already represented Pakistan in four T20Is in which he scored 41 runs and took three wickets.

Akram is a dependable middle-order batter and a useful off-spin bowler. He has scored 1,074 runs and also taken 37 wickets in T20 cricket.

• Iftikhar Ahmed 

Veteran batter and part-time off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed is another option. 

He has played 66 T20Is so far in his career and has scored 998 runs at an average of 24.34 and a strike-rate of 129.10. His form in the Global Super League 2025 (GSL 2025), where he scored 130 runs at an average of 43.33 and chipped in with five wickets, has kept him in the race.

• Usama Mir

Usama Mir is also in contention. The leg-spinner played for Multan Sultans in the PSL 2025. In the tournament, he picked up four wickets in seven games. He recently featured in the GSL 2025 and bagged seven scalps in four innings. Mir could step directly into Shadab’s role as a specialist spinner, although he does not offer the same batting depth.

Pakistan's Schedule in Asia Cup 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the UAE in the T20 format. Pakistan, India, UAE and Oman form Group A. Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Pakistan will start their campaign against Oman on September 12. They will face India on September 14. Their final group-stage match is scheduled against the UAE on September 17.

The top two teams from each group will move to the Super Four round, which will begin on September 20.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025: Continental Cup set to be played in UAE between September 9 to 28