Shadab Khan appointed Desert Vipers captain for Global Super League, eyes ‘unfinished business’

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has been appointed captain of the Desert Vipers for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), replacing the injured Australian all-rounder Chris Green.

The five-team tournament will begin on July 23 at Providence Stadium in Guyana, where the Desert Vipers will compete alongside defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors, Lahore Qalandars, Perth Scorchers, and San Francisco Unicorns.

Reacting to his appointment, the 27-year-old expressed mixed emotions, saying he was honoured to lead the side but disappointed that the opportunity came because of Green’s injury.

“Chris Green is a very good friend of mine, and I am very sad for him because I know from my own experience how hard injuries can be,” Shadab said on the Vipers Voices podcast.

“While I am happy to get the opportunity to lead the team, I am also sad for my friend.”

Shadab brings significant leadership experience, having captained Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the past seven seasons, including guiding the franchise to the 2024 PSL title while earning the Player of the Tournament award.

Speaking about his leadership philosophy, Shadab revealed he prefers building individual relationships with players rather than addressing the group collectively.

“I prefer to have individual conversations with the players. Everyone is a professional, and when you give players clarity as individuals, it helps build their confidence and self-belief,” he said.

The Pakistan international also named former Australia captain Ricky Ponting as the leader he admires most.

“I have always liked Ricky Ponting and heard good things about his leadership qualities. His understanding of the game is incredible, and I have been fortunate enough to discuss cricket with him. I always look up to him,” he added.

Shadab is also set to reunite with Desert Vipers head coach Azhar Mahmood, with whom he has worked extensively during his international career and at Islamabad United.

“When I entered international cricket, I needed a mentor, and Azhar Mahmood was like a big brother who guided me. We’ve worked together for over 10 years, and it’s been a really good relationship,” Shadab said.

Currently representing Lancashire in England’s T20 Blast—ironically replacing the injured Green—Shadab believes the tournament is ideal preparation for the short-format GSL.

“The Blast is helping me build momentum before the GSL because it’s such a short tournament. You have to be ready from the very first ball as both a batter and a bowler,” he said.

After undergoing shoulder surgery in July 2025, Shadab made an impressive comeback in PSL 2026, scoring 173 runs at a brisk strike rate while claiming 17 wickets—third-most in the tournament—for Islamabad United.

Reflecting on his return, he admitted the injury changed his perspective on cricket.

“Playing cricket now feels like a bonus. After surgery, I wasn’t sure if I would ever be the same player again, but I am enjoying the game more than ever. Coming back from a major injury is mostly about mental strength, and I think I see the game differently now.”

Shadab also spoke about his determination to make amends for his previous stint with the Desert Vipers during the 2024 ILT20 season, when both he and the franchise endured a disappointing campaign.

“The Vipers franchise is one of the best. I have unfinished business with them because things did not go the way I had hoped the last time I played for the team,” he said.

“Hopefully, now in the GSL, I can show the Vipers fans how good I am and how good the Vipers team is. Hopefully that unfinished business will finish here.”

The Desert Vipers squad for the Global Super League includes Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Rilee Rossouw, Kyle Mayers, Andries Gous, Bevon Jacobs, Vriitya Aravind, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Matiullah Khan, Sanjay Pahal, Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds and Zachary Carter under Shadab’s captaincy.