He was the son of Nizam Khan, the younger brother of the Sultan Sher Shah Suri.
Adil's sister, Bibi Bai, was married to Islam Shah Suri.
In 1555, Adil's brother in law, Ibrahim Shah Suri of Agra, revolted.
Then Ibrahim renewed his strife with Adil, but he was defeated by Hemu twice, once near Kalpi and again near Khanua.
In 1557, Adil was defeated and killed in a battle with the Bengal Sultan Khizr Khan Suri, the son of Muhammad Shah.