Pakistan Suffer Injury Blow Ahead of Asia Cup

Pakistan have suffered an injury setback just days before the start of the Asia Cup, with wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Sadaf Shams has been called up from the reserves to take her place in the squad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the news on Monday, saying scans revealed an injury to the back of Najiha’s left knee. She is expected to need around four weeks to complete her rehabilitation and return to action.

With Najiha unavailable, Sadaf has been promoted from the reserves to the main squad. Since making her T20I debut in 2023, the 27-year-old has played 12 matches, although she has not featured in the format since October 2024.

Sadaf, however, has been in excellent form in ODIs. She has scored 488 runs in nine ODIs this year, including her maiden international century and four half-centuries.

The Women’s Asia Cup will begin in Dubai on August 28, with the tournament being played in the T20 format. The final is scheduled for September 13.

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong. Fatima Sana’s side will begin their campaign against Thailand on September 1, before facing India on September 5 and Hong Kong on September 7.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup Squad

Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Iman Nasir, Aiman Fatima, Gul Firoza, Moomina Riaz, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Yaqoob, Syra Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umme Hani, Waheeda Akhtar, Sadaf Shams

Reserves: Tasmiya Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anis