Bridgetown: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ historic CPL 2026 triumph had a strong Pakistani flavour, with all-rounder Shadab Khan and young spinner Sufyan Moqim playing decisive roles in the franchise’s title-winning campaign.
Shadab was named the Player of the Tournament after an impressive all-round display, while Moqim produced match-winning four-wicket spells in both the Qualifier 1 and the final.
For Shadab, the tournament arrived at an important stage of his career as he looks to regain his place and rhythm in international cricket.
The Pakistan all-rounder finished the campaign with 11 wickets from seven innings at an economy rate of 4.89. He was equally destructive with the bat, scoring 132 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 227.58.
Shadab credited his aggressive approach and the freedom given to him in the batting order for his success.
“I think I was mentally free because of the role given to me. I have to fulfil that role because most of the time I have to play the death overs,” Shadab said.
He explained that accepting failure as part of the game helped him maintain a positive mindset.
“When you are mentally free, you will get failure as well, you accept the failure; but when you’re free, that type of mindset, most of the time you succeed.”
Shadab’s bowling resurgence
The tournament was particularly significant for Shadab because of his recent struggles with the ball.
The leg-spinning all-rounder produced one of his standout performances in Qualifier 1 against Guyana Amazon Warriors, taking 4 for 16 and completing a hat-trick.
His three wickets came in the form of Shimron Hetmyer, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Quentin Sampson, helping the Falcons secure their place in the final.
Shadab said the performance was particularly satisfying because it came in a high-pressure knockout match.
“That type of a milestone you need in your career and to get it in the qualifiers, so on a bigger occasion, is great.”
He added that his primary satisfaction came from contributing to a winning team.
“As a bowler when you’re doing this type of stuff, most of the time your team will win. So most importantly, if your team is winning and you’re doing well for the team and you contribute for the team, I am more than happy.”
Moqim makes his mark
While Shadab provided experience and consistency throughout the tournament, Sufyan Moqim emerged as another major contributor to the Falcons’ title run.
The young Pakistan spinner claimed 4 for 14 in the CPL final against Jamaica Kingsmen, restricting the opposition and helping set up the Falcons’ victory.
It was Moqim’s first Player-of-the-Match award in the CPL and came just one day before the 63rd birthday of Falcons coach and mentor Curtly Ambrose.
Moqim dedicated the award to the West Indies great.
“My first Player of the Match in the CPL, so I am happy. But the biggest thing was that today is the legend’s birthday, and I am happy that I could make it memorable. This award is dedicated to him,” Moqim said after the final.
Moqim revealed that his approach was based on maintaining discipline with his line and length despite challenging conditions.
“The plan was to control the line and length. There was a lot of dew, so it wasn’t easy, but I managed to land the ball where I wanted to. I used a lot of variations, and that brought me success.”
Boost for Pakistan’s T20 plans
The performances of Shadab and Moqim could provide Pakistan with further options as the national team looks ahead to its next T20I assignments.
Pakistan are currently involved in the Asian Games in Japan, while their next T20I assignment is scheduled in Sri Lanka in October.
If both players are included in Pakistan’s squad, their CPL performances could give the national selectors additional options in the spin-bowling and all-rounder departments.
For Shadab in particular, the CPL title represents more than another franchise trophy. His performances have provided an important confidence boost as he attempts to rediscover his international rhythm.
The Falcons’ maiden CPL championship has therefore been a breakthrough campaign for the franchise and a potentially significant one for two Pakistan cricketers heading into the next phase of their careers.
