Lancashire Lightning have signed Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan for this season’s T20 Blast. The 27-year-old is expected to be available for the away match against Leicestershire Foxes at Grace Road on June 26.
Arriving in form
Shadab comes to England after a productive spell at home, where he captained Abbottabad Region to the National T20 Cup title. In the final he took two wickets as Karachi Whites were held to 118, and his side then chased the target with ease. The leg-spinner also had a strong Pakistan Super League with Islamabad United, finishing with 17 wickets at an economy rate just above seven and 173 runs. Earlier, he had played the 2025-26 Big Bash League for Sydney Thunder.
Familiar with English conditions
This will not be Shadab’s first taste of the Blast. He turned out for Yorkshire in 2022 and Sussex in 2023, and across 24 appearances in the competition he has taken 21 wickets at an economy of 9.13. With the bat he has scored 374 runs at a strike rate of 138. He has played 124 T20Is for Pakistan, making him one of the country’s most experienced players in the format, and he joins compatriots Usman Tariq, Hasan Ali and Usama Mir in this year’s Blast.
Lancashire need a lift
The Lightning are bottom of the North Group with eight points from six games, although they go to Leicester on the back of a seven-wicket win over Durham. Shadab said he was delighted to be joining one of England’s most historic clubs and was looking forward to playing in front of the home supporters at Emirates Old Trafford.
