Shadab Khan eyes Australia series as key build-up to T20 World Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan on Monday termed the upcoming T20I series against Australia as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

The national side is currently taking part in a training camp ahead of the three-match T20I series against Australia, with Shadab emphasising the importance of quality preparation before the mega event.

Speaking to reporters after a scenario-based practice match, the leg-spinner said the Australia series would provide the team with an ideal opportunity to assess combinations, conditions and strategies ahead of the World Cup.

"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.

Addressing criticism over his performances, the all-rounder said he remains focused on improving his game rather than external noise.

"When you do well, you get praise. I know there's a lot of criticism directed at mem but I focus on my game," he stated. 

Shadab also spoke about adapting to different conditions, particularly with the World Cup set to be played across India and Sri Lanka.

"Conditions keep changing, especially in Sri Lanka, but modern cricket demands adaptability. Wherever we play, our goal is to play positive cricket," he added.

Praising senior batter Babar Azam, Shadab described him as the backbone of the batting line-up.

"Wherever we play, we aim to play good cricket." "Babar Azam is our biggest player. I have seen him grow into the player he is today," he added.

The 27-year-old also addressed his role as an all-rounder, insisting he balances both batting and bowling responsibilities.

"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.

Looking ahead to the conditions in Sri Lanka, Shadab anticipated that posting big totals could prove challenging, making smart cricket even more vital.

"Big scores will be difficult in Sri Lankan conditions, so planning and execution will be key," he noted.

For the unversed, the series will be played on 29 January, 31 January and 1 February, with all three matches scheduled as evening fixtures. Australia's T20I squad is expected to arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, 28 January.

Following the home series, Pakistan are expected to travel to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup, subject to clearance from the federal government.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday announced that a final decision regarding the national team's participation will be taken by next week.

Naqvi, who also serves as the country's interior minister, met Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif earlier in the day, describing the meeting as “productive”.

He said the PM instructed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) matter be resolved by keeping all options on the table, adding that a final decision would be taken either by Friday or next Monday.

“Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table,” Naqvi wrote on X.

“It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”

For the unversed, Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 has come under uncertainty after the ICC announced last week that Bangladesh would be replaced by Scotland following the former's refusal to tour India.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made the decision earlier this month after Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released experienced Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad on the directives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Both parties were subsequently involved in several rounds of negotiations; however, no settlement was reached. 

Earlier this week, the ICC formally dismissed the BCB's plea, asserting that the tournament schedule would remain unchanged and issued a 24-hour ultimatum.

Amid the ongoing ICC-BCB standoff, sources have suggested that 2009 champions Pakistan may also boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh opt to withdraw.

Pakistan squad for Australia T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.