New T20I vice-captain in sight for Pakistan after Shadab Khan’s injury setback

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris is expected to take over as the T20I vice-captain in place of Shadab Khan, who is set to miss a crucial part of the upcoming white-ball season due to injury.

Sources have confirmed that Shadab will likely undergo surgery on his right shoulder in the United Kingdom after experiencing ongoing discomfort. The procedure is expected to sideline him for nearly three months, ruling him out of the T20I series against Bangladesh, the tour of the West Indies, the proposed tri-nation series involving Afghanistan and the UAE, and possibly even the 2025 Asia Cup.

With Shadab unavailable, Haris has emerged as the frontrunner to step in as deputy. The 24-year-old has previously led Pakistan A, the Shaheens, and domestic sides in tournaments like the Champions Cup, making him a strong candidate for the leadership role.

Pakistan’s training camp for the Bangladesh series begins on July 8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. The squad will depart for Dhaka on July 16, ahead of the three-match series set to be played on July 20, 22, and 24 at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. All matches are scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM local time (5:00 PM PST).

In addition to Shadab, pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. are also facing fitness issues and remain doubtful for the series. To bolster the pace attack, Salman Mirza — who impressed with nine wickets in four PSL 10 matches — is likely to be called up.

The Pakistan team last faced Bangladesh in May earlier this year, securing a 3-0 series sweep at home.