Career Timeline of Shadab Khan: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 18, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Shadab Khan made an impact.

Shadab Khan is a Pakistani international cricketer and the current T20 vice-captain for Pakistan. He also captains Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Notably, he led Islamabad United to victory in the 2024 PSL, marking their record third title in the tournament.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

Jan 16, 2016: Pakistan Under-19s beat Australia Under-19s

On Jan 16, 2016, in the U-19 tri-nation tournament in the UAE, Pakistan Under-19s beat Australia Under-19s by 109 runs. Shadab Khan led the defence with a spell of 4 for 35.

August 2016: Twenty20 debut for Rawalpindi

On 26 August 2016, Shadab Khan made his Twenty20 debut for Rawalpindi in the 2016–17 National T20 Cup.

2016: ESPNcricinfo feature profile

In 2016, an ESPNcricinfo feature profile noted Shadab Khan as Pakistan’s emerging “mystery” legspinner, outlining his repertoire and approach to bowling.

2016: First-class century for Pakistan A

In the 2nd unofficial Test at Bulawayo in 2016, Shadab Khan scored his maiden first-class century (129) for Pakistan A and took 5 wickets in Zimbabwe A’s second innings.

April 2017: One Day International debut for Pakistan

In April 2017, Shadab Khan made his One Day International (ODI) debut and his Test debut for Pakistan against the West Indies. He was part of Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy winning squad.

October 2017: Maiden ODI fifty

On 16 October 2017, against Sri Lanka, Shadab Khan scored his maiden ODI fifty. He was adjudged the man of the match for his all-round performances.

2017: Twenty20 International debut for Pakistan

In 2017, Shadab Khan made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Pakistan against the West Indies on 26 March. He recorded economical figures, earning him Player of the Match.

2017: Signed with Trinbago Knight Riders and Brisbane Heat

In 2017, after his performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, Shadab Khan signed to play for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League and later signed with the Brisbane Heat for the 7th season of the Big Bash League.

Oct 2018: Led defence with 3 for 19

On 28 Oct 2018, Shadab Khan led the defence with a match-turning 3 for 19 in four overs, throttling Australia’s chase to 117 all out and headlining Pakistan’s clean sweep.

April 2019: Named to Pakistan's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup

In April 2019, Shadab Khan was named to Pakistan's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, but was later ruled out of Pakistan's preceding tour of England with a virus.

June 2019: Selected for Edmonton Royals

In June 2019, Shadab Khan was selected to play for the Edmonton Royals franchise team in the 2019 Global T20 Canada tournament.

June 2019: Took 50th wicket in ODIs

On 23 June 2019, in Pakistan's World Cup match against South Africa, Shadab Khan took his 50th wicket in ODIs.

September 2019: Aimed to become a genuine all-rounder

In late September 2019, Shadab Khan said he aimed to become a genuine all-rounder for Pakistan, stressing ongoing work on his batting alongside his leg-spin so he can contribute in multiple roles and improve team balance.

August 2020: Took 50th T20I wicket

On 28 August 2020, in the first T20I match against England, Shadab Khan took his 50th wicket in the format.

December 2020: Captained Pakistan for the first time

On 18 December 2020, Shadab Khan captained the Pakistan team for the first time in an international match, leading the team in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) against New Zealand due to Babar's injury.

2020: Return to form with the bat

In 2020, an analysis of PSL noted Shadab Khan’s return to form with the bat, elevated to No. 4 for Islamabad United, showcasing his batting evolution.

September 2021: Named vice-captain for T20 World Cup

In September 2021, Shadab Khan was named the vice-captain of Pakistan's squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

December 2021: Named captain of Islamabad United

In December 2021, Shadab Khan was named the captain of Islamabad United following the players' draft for the 2021 Pakistan Super League.

2022: Asia Cup final analysis

A post–2022 Asia Cup final analysis argues Khan had “got his groove back,” highlighting his all-round resurgence through the tournament

2022: Centrally contracted by PCB

In 2022, Shadab Khan was amongst the players centrally contracted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

March 2023: Took 100th T20I wicket

On 27 March 2023, Shadab Khan took his 100th T20I wicket against Afghanistan, and became the first male cricketer from Pakistan to take 100 wickets in T20Is.

May 2024: Named in squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup

In May 2024, Shadab Khan was named in Pakistan's squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.

2024: Islamabad United wins PSL under Shadab Khan's captaincy

In 2024, Shadab Khan captained Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leading them to victory and securing a record third title in the tournament's history.