Lahore, August 24: The Pakistan women’s cricket team has suffered a significant setback. Wicketkeeper-batsman Najia Alvi has been ruled out of the upcoming ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 due to a knee injury.
In her place, right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas has been added to the squad. According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this decision was made after medical examinations confirmed joint issues, prompting the selection committee to include Sadaf for this major continental event.
“Najia reported pain in the back of her left knee, and subsequent scans revealed a sprain. Following an assessment by the PCB medical team, Najia will immediately begin her rehabilitation program, which is expected to last four weeks. The National Women’s Selection Committee has included Sadaf in the Asia Cup team. Since her debut in January 2023, she has played 12 T20 International matches,” the statement read.
The tournament is set to take place from August 28 to September 13 in Dubai, where Pakistan has been placed in a challenging Group A alongside traditional rivals India, seven-time champions Thailand, and Hong Kong. Pakistan will kick off their campaign against Thailand on September 1, followed by a match against India on September 5, and a clash with Hong Kong-China on September 7. The semifinals are scheduled for September 10 and 11, with the final taking place on September 13. Fatima Sana will return as captain for this tournament, having missed the T20 International series against Sri Lanka due to her participation in ‘The Hundred.’
The Pakistan team for the Women’s Asia Cup includes: Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Iman Nasir, Iman Fatima, Gul Firoza, Momina Riyasat, Muniba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Sadaf Shamas, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hasan, Umm-e-Hani, and Wahida Akhtar.