Mumbai, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – Spin all‑rounder Shadab Khan is hoping a solid run with Sydney Thunder can get him back into Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, while he also laments missing the chance to play alongside India great Ravichandran Ashwin, a Friday report noted.
The 27‑year‑old leg‑spinner hasn’t appeared for Pakistan since the home T20I series against Bangladesh in June, after undergoing shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. This will be his fourth season in Australia’s T20 league, following stints with the Sydney Sixers, Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat, the report added.
"It’s a great opportunity, and I’m pleased that major Pakistani names are playing in the BBL this time," Shadab told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
"The league is getting recognition because of them as well," he said during a virtual media talk from Sydney.
Shadab also expressed disappointment at missing the chance to learn from Ashwin, who was set to represent Sydney Thunder before pulling out on fitness grounds. “It could have been great to have played alongside Ashiwn because he has been a great bowler,” he said, recalling numerous matches against the Indian maestro.
He highlighted that six fellow Pakistanis are competing in this season’s Big Bash. Former captain Babar Azam will play for Sydney Sixers, Shaheen Shah Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Haris Rauf will be with Melbourne Stars, while Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan are on the Melbourne Renegades, and Hasan Ali will suit up for Adelaide Strikers.
"Pakistani cricketers have played in Australia before, but never in such numbers and never all at once," Shadab told www.telecomasia.net. He was excited about the unique opportunity to face former teammates abroad. "Back home, we’ve played against each other, but this is the first time we’ll be doing it abroad. We’re all looking forward to it. Playing against friends has a different feeling," he added.
"Our fans are excited as well; they’re waiting for the BBL to start. We played the T20 World Cup here in 2022 and received great support. With big Pakistani names in action in the BBL, we’ll get a lot of support again."
"The BBL is very important for me. I’ll be back in action after five months. It’s a great opportunity for me, and I want to make the most of it," Shadab said. "Injuries are part of the game — it’s not as if only I get injured, but it is very disappointing to miss cricket."
Shadab now faces tough competition from other spinners already in the national squad. Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq and Sufyan Muqeem are also in contention for World Cup spots, the report said.
The tenth edition of the Twenty‑20 World Cup will run from 7 February to 8 March in India and Sri Lanka.
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