Mohammad Haris Likely to Replace Injured Shadab Khan as Pakistan’s T20I Vice-Captain
Pakistan’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris is emerging as a strong contender to replace Shadab Khan as the vice-captain of the T20I team, amid growing concerns over Shadab’s long-standing shoulder injury.
According to Geo News, Shadab Khan is likely to undergo surgery on his right shoulder in the United Kingdom, which could rule him out for approximately three months. This will potentially force him to miss Pakistan’s busy upcoming white-ball calendar, including the T20I series against Bangladesh (July), West Indies (August), the proposed tri-nation series involving Afghanistan and UAE, and possibly the 2025 Asia Cup.
Haris in Contention
Mohammad Haris, who has experience leading Pakistan A, Pakistan Shaheens, and multiple domestic sides, is being seriously considered to fill the leadership void. Known for his aggressive batting and fearless approach, Haris has also impressed with his ability to handle pressure — a trait that could serve Pakistan well in Shadab’s absence.
Bangladesh Series Confirmed
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that all three T20Is between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Match timings are fixed at 6:00 PM local time (5:00 PM PST).
The training camp for the Pakistan squad is set to start on July 8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi, preparing the team for the demanding upcoming assignments.
Injury Woes Continue
In addition to Shadab, fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. are also under fitness clouds and remain doubtful for the Bangladesh series. Their potential absence could further open the door for fresh faces.
Salman Mirza Set for National Call-Up?
Rising pacer Salman Mirza, who starred for Lahore Qalandars in PSL 9, is expected to be included in the T20I squad. Salman took 9 wickets in 4 matches, boasting an impressive average of 15.00 and an economy rate of 9.64, making him one of the most talked-about fast-bowling prospects.
Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh – T20I Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 16 | Team Arrival | — | — |
| July 20 | 1st T20I | Sher-e-Bangla, Dhaka | 5:00 PM |
| July 22 | 2nd T20I | Sher-e-Bangla, Dhaka | 5:00 PM |
| July 24 | 3rd T20I | Sher-e-Bangla, Dhaka | 5:00 PM |
Recent Form Reminder:
Pakistan last faced Bangladesh in a T20I series in May 2025, where they secured a clean 3-0 sweep at home. With both teams looking to finalize their cores ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, this series holds significant importance.
Stay tuned for the official squad announcement in the coming days.
