Gearing up to lead Islamabad United in PSL 2020, Shadab Khan feels 'no pressure'

KARACHI: The Pakistan Super League's (PSL) past four editions have produced several talented players who not only became part of the national cricket team but have also produced some match-winning performances.

One of them is Shadab Khan.

Hailing from Mianwali, Shadab was an emerging player from Islamabad United in the PSL's second edition in 2017 and soon had everyone's attention due to his magical bowling.

That emerging player from 2017 will now be leading the Islamabad United in the PSL's fifth edition in 2020.

Speaking to Geo.tv, Shadab said: "I don't have words to explain how it feels to be the captain from an emerging player within three years. This is something I had never imagined.

"Islamabad United has won the PSL twice and it is an honour to lead the side," the all-rounder said.

The 21-year-old will have likes of Colin Ingram, Colin, David Malan, and Dale Steyn with him on dugout but the youngster said there was no pressure to lead the side.

"They all are professionals and know their role. So, there's no pressure on me," he said.

The leg-spinner — who has represented Pakistan in 5 Tests, 43 ODIs, and 40 T20Is — noted that the PSL had changed his life and if not for this league, he would not have donned the green colours so soon.

Recalling his debut call for the PSL, the bowler said he was on the flight back home with Pakistan's A team from Zimbabwe while draft took place and he was told he had been picked when he landed in Dubai for a transit.

"I knew that this could be my life-changing experience," he said. "The PSL has fast-tracked career of many youngsters like myself. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Musa are others to name," he said.

Talking about PSL 5, Shadab said he was confident of a good show by Islamabad United. "Our main strength is the core group of local players and, if you have the best local players, then you can win any league easily," he said.

"Along with them, we have some best of foreign players [and that] makes a very good combination. All the teams look very good but I am hopeful that we'll not let down our fans," Shadab added.

He also requested the fans to come and cheer for favourite teams.

"Support any team you want but do come to stadiums and cheer. Give everyone a message that we are a very good host for international cricket," he mentioned.