Pakistan Cricket Team (Source: AFP)
Pakistan cricketers have often found themselves in the spotlight for reasons beyond their on-field performances. Over the years, many players from the country have been overlooked in several major franchise leagues around the world.
One of the most notable examples is the long absence of Pakistani players from the IPL. More recently, they have also not been included in the ILT20, raising further questions about their participation in global T20 tournaments.
Pakistan players excluded from Global Tournament
The ILT20 consists of six franchises, and most of these teams are owned by large Indian business groups with strong ties to the IPL.
It is important to note that the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders is owned by the Knight Riders Group. The franchise is closely linked to the IPL team KKR. The Dubai Capitals is owned by the GMR Group, which also co-owns the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.
The Gulf Giants is operated by Adani Sportsline, which is a part of the Adani Group owned by Gautam Adani. The group also owns the Gujarat Giants in the WPL.
The MI Emirates is owned by Reliance Industries through Indiawin Sports, under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani. This franchise is closely connected to the IPL team, the Mumbai Indians.
The Sharjah Warriorz is owned by Capri Global. The company also operates the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League.
The only team, Desert Vipers, is owned by Lancer Capital LLC. The company is chaired by Avram Glazer, who is also known as the co-chairman of the famous football club Manchester United.
However, amid all this, Pakistan's dynamic all-rounder has recently been included in the Global Tournament.
Shadab Khan's Journey in PSL
Shadab Khan has been an important player for Islamabad United over the years. He has been the part of the team since PSL 2016/17. Under his captaincy in PSL 2026, the team has won 3 out of 6 matches, earning 7 points with a strong net run rate of +2.052. One of their matches against Peshawar Zalmi was abandoned due to rain.
In four matches, he has scored 73 runs at an impressive average of 73.00 and a striking rate of 165.90. With the ball, he has taken 7 wickets at an economy rate of 6.92.
Although Islamabad United lost their opening match to Multan Sultans, they quickly bounced back with three consecutive victories against Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi, and Lahore Qalandars.
Over his PSL career, Shadab Khan has scored 1,486 runs in 98 matches at a strike rate of 142.20, including nine half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 112 wickets in 98 matches at an economy rate of 7.67.
Shadab Khan also represented Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he contributed 118 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 153.35. He also picked up 5 wickets during the tournament, showcasing his consistent value as an all-rounder.
Shadab Khan Named in Desert Vipers' Squad for GSL 2026
Pakistan's dynamic all-rounder Shadab Khan has been included in the upcoming Global Super League 2026. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 1 in Guyana, featuring top players from around the world.
It is important to note that Shadab Khan has been named in the Desert Vipers squad for the third edition of the Global Super League. The team will be led by Chris Green, with Shadab Khan forming part of a strong all-rounders group.
The Desert Vipers squad features several big names, including Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Mayers, and USA's Andries Gous. With such a balanced lineup, the team is expected to be a strong contender in the tournament.
Also Read: Bangladesh Hints BCCI-PCB Combine To Change Asian Cricket Council Structure
Shadab is no stranger to franchise cricket; he has played in leagues such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), ILT20, The Hundred, MLC, BBL, and Caribbean Premier League.
Desert Vipers squad for GSL 2026:
Andries Gous, Vritty Aravind, Zachary Carter, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Mayers, Daryl Mitchell, Shadab Khan, Sanjay Pahal, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Chris Green (c), Jason Behrendorff, Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds and Mattiullah Khan.
The Global Super League 2026 will feature five teams competing, all to be held at Providence Stadium in Guyana. Guyana Amazon Warriors enter the competition as defending champions.
Also Read: MI vs RCB Match Breaks All IPL Records, Becomes The 1st Match To..
