Shadab Khan ready to lead Pakistan, reckons Hasan Ali

Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali reckons Shadab Khan is ready to take over as Pakistan captain after proving himself in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Shadab Khan, who is also Pakistan's white-ball captain, has led Islamabad United inthe PSL since 2019. Under his leadership, the franchise has won 17 out of the 32 matches

“He is ready [for Pakistan captaincy]. He has proved himself as a captain in PSL. I think he has also led Pakistan in two [three] matches, so I think he is ready. He is always ready for any challenge and gives his best,” Hasan said of his Islamabad United teammate.

Shadab will return to the PSL after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the white-ball series against New Zealand. In his absence, Shan Masood was named vice-captain of the side. He has led Pakistan in just three T20Is so far.

Pakistan under Babar Azam have not been at their best of late, having lost in Test series at home against Australia, England and then drawing against New Zealand. Against the Blackcaps, they also lost the ODI series 2-1.

Hasan and Shadab will be in action as they kick start their PSL 2023 campaign against Karachi Kings on Thursday (February 16) in Karachi.

PSL 2023 kicked off on Monday (February 13) with last year's finalists Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultan going toe-to-toe. It marked the return of Shaheen Afridi in competitive cricket and the fast bowler did not disappoint finishing with figures of 1 for 27 in his four overs. His side just about crossed the line escaping with a one-run victory over the Mohammad Rizwan-led side.