Shadab Khan becomes father as welcomes baby girl

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan has started a new chapter in his personal life by announcing the birth of his first child, a baby girl.

The 26-year-old all-rounder took to social media to express his gratitude and asked fans to remember his family in their prayers.

Taking to Instagram and X on Saturday, Shadab posted a heartfelt message with pictures, writing that he was “grateful beyond words for this blessing.” He also requested his followers to keep his newborn and family in their prayers.

The posts quickly went viral, receiving thousands of likes and congratulatory messages from fans, teammates and members of the cricketing fraternity.

Family ties to Saqlain Mushtaq

Shadab married the daughter of Pakistan’s legendary off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq in 2023. The union had already put him in the spotlight, and the cricketer’s transition into fatherhood has drawn warm wishes from the entire cricketing fraternity.

Since making his international debut in 2017, Shadab has been a key figure in Pakistan’s white-ball setup. Known as one of the leading leg-spinners in modern cricket, he has also played important innings as a reliable lower-order batsman.

In addition to his international career, Shadab captains Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he is considered one of the league’s top performers.