About Shadab Khan
Full Name: Shadab Khan
Date of Birth: October 4, 1998
Birthplace: Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan
Position: Vice-captain (ODIs), T20 specialist, Lower middle-order batter, Strike spinner
Shadab Khan is the face of Pakistan’s modern-day cricketing flair — a bold, brave, and skillful leg-spinner who brings both excitement and control to every match. Hailing from Mianwali, the same district that produced cricketing icons like Imran Khan, Shadab grew up dreaming of wearing the green jersey. That dream became a stunning reality, and he has now established himself as one of the most versatile all-rounders in world cricket.
Shadab’s cricketing breakthrough came in 2017, when he was selected for the Pakistan T20 squad after his eye-catching performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Islamabad United. In his very first international T20 against the West Indies, Shadab stunned the cricketing world with figures of 3/7, announcing his arrival with sharp leg-spin, deceptive googlies, and a fearless attitude.
Soon after, he debuted in ODIs and Tests, quickly showing that he wasn’t just a spinner. His ability to bat in pressure situations made him a valuable lower-order asset. In the 2019 World Cup, Shadab played a crucial role with both bat and ball, picking key wickets and scoring handy runs — proving his all-round mettle.
Shadab thrives under pressure. Whether it’s bowling in the powerplay, death overs, or rescuing the team with the bat, he steps up when it matters. His fearless strokeplay, especially in T20s, makes him a finisher capable of changing games in a matter of overs. His fielding is another asset — quick, agile, and sharp — earning him the reputation of being one of the best fielders in Pakistan's history.
As vice-captain, Shadab brings tactical acumen and positive energy. He has also led Islamabad United in the PSL, guiding young players and sharpening his captaincy instincts. Under his leadership, the team has consistently remained among the top contenders, thanks to his ability to inspire and adapt under pressure.
Despite occasional injuries and dips in form, Shadab’s commitment has never wavered. He continuously works on his fitness and skillset, evolving his bowling to suit different conditions and modifying his batting technique as needed. He’s known to be one of the fittest players in the squad, often leading from the front in fielding drills and gym sessions.
Off the field, Shadab has a charming and humorous personality, endearing him to fans and teammates alike. He is vocal about improving domestic cricket and actively participates in mentorship programs for young Pakistani cricketers. He’s also grown in stature as a role model for aspiring leg-spinners across the country.
Shadab Khan embodies the spirit of modern Pakistani cricket — confident, aggressive, and adaptable. With years still ahead of him, he continues to be a key pillar in Pakistan’s cricketing strategy across all formats, combining match-winning skills with leadership, charisma, and flair.