The countdown to the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has officially begun, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE from 9 to 28 September. But for Pakistan, the build-up comes with a bit of a jolt as Shadab Khan, their T20I vice-captain, is highly unlikely to feature in the event.
Shadab Khan’s Setback
Shadab’s absence isn’t just about missing a player. It’s about losing one of Pakistan’s most experienced all-rounders, someone who has consistently offered balance with both ball and bat.
The 26-year-old recently underwent shoulder surgery in the UK after sustaining an injury that had already sidelined him from the T20I series against Bangladesh and the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies.
According to sources close to the team, Shadab Khan will need at least three months to recover fully and return to competitive cricket. That rules him out of the Asia Cup, with a potential comeback likely in October.
No Vice-Captain for Now
Interestingly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to name a replacement vice-captain in Shadab’s absence. During the Bangladesh T20I series, no official deputy to skipper Salman Ali Agha was announced. The same trend continues for the upcoming West Indies tour, where the squad does not include a designated vice-captain either.
The lack of a named second-in-command might not seem like a huge concern now, but with a major tournament looming, leadership depth will matter, especially in high-pressure fixtures.
Asia Cup 2025 – What to Expect
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently revealed the much-awaited schedule for the Asia Cup 2025, which returns in the T20 format this year.
With eight teams divided into two groups, the tournament will serve as a vital preparation ground for teams ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Group A:
- India
- Pakistan
- UAE
- Oman
Group B:
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Sri Lanka
- Hong Kong
The event kicks off on 9 September, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the curtain-raiser. Pakistan will open their campaign on 12 September against Oman, a game they’re expected to win comfortably, but one they cannot take lightly in modern-day T20 cricket.
Then comes the big one. The mother of all battles. India vs Pakistan on 14 September, a match that always delivers drama, passion and nerves, regardless of form or conditions.
If both teams qualify from their groups, fans could be treated to another India-Pakistan clash in the Super Four stage on 21 September. The grand finale is slated for 28 September.
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