Shadab Khan hopeful Pakistan spinners play a key role in World Cup

Playing their T20 World Cup games in Sri Lanka, Pakistan will desire few things more than their spinners hitting the right notes. They have as many as six decent spin-bowling options who can easily make or break their World Cup hopes. However, leg-spinner Shadab Khan is positive that they will make the most of the conditions.

Lead-up to the World Cup

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s three-game T20I tour against Australia, Shadab said the tour presents the team with a good opportunity to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the tournament, which is ten days away.

"The upcoming series against Australia is the best preparation for the World Cup. Our spinners performed well in the Asia Cup, and I hope they continue to perform in the World Cup as well," Shadab said.

Is Shadab forgetting he is an all-rounder?

Shadab returned to Pakistan’s T20I side against Sri Lanka earlier this month after staying on the sidelines for six months following shoulder surgery. On his comeback, he grabbed only two wickets and scored 24 runs across two games in Dambulla. 

Following that, his inclusion in the World Cup squad was inevitably questioned, with many raising concerns over a dip in his form with the ball. Since the previous T20 World Cup, Shadab has taken just seven wickets across fourteen games.

"When you do well, you get praise," Shadab said. "I know there’s a lot of criticism directed at me, but I focus on my game."

"I am a bowler who can also contribute with the bat. There’s been talk that I focus too much on batting, but I balance both aspects of my game," he stated.

The first game of the Australia series will begin on January 29, with all three games scheduled to be played in Lahore. Pakistan are scheduled to play their first T20 World Cup game on February 7 against the Netherlands, though the final call on their participation in the tournament has yet to be made.

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Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026 Jan 29 to Feb 01

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January 29, 2026 6:00 pm Upcoming

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