Pakistan have suffered a significant setback forward of the ACC Girls’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, with wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi dominated out of the event due to a knee damage. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Sunday that medical assessments had revealed a joint concern, forcing the staff administration to make a late change to the squad. The event is scheduled to be performed in Dubai from August 28 to September 13.
Substitute introduced for Najiha Alvi
The PCB has named right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas as Najiha’s alternative within the Pakistan squad. Shamas brings worldwide expertise to the group, having represented Pakistan in 12 Girls’s T20 Internationals since making her debut in January 2023. Whereas Najiha’s absence is undoubtedly a blow, Pakistan will hope Shamas can benefit from the chance in a event the place each match might carry vital weight. The staff will even depend on Muneeba Ali as their wicketkeeping choice following Najiha’s withdrawal.
Pakistan will probably be led by Fatima Sana, who is about to return as captain for the continental competitors. The all-rounder missed Pakistan’s current T20I collection in opposition to Sri Lanka due to her commitments to The Hundred, the place she represented Birmingham Phoenix. Her return offers Pakistan with an skilled chief as they put together for a demanding Asia Cup marketing campaign.
Additionally READ: Sharmin Sultana returns as Bangladesh name squad for Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games
Pakistan to start marketing campaign in opposition to Thailand
Pakistan have been positioned in Group A alongside seven-time champions India, Thailand and Hong Kong-China. The group includes a extremely anticipated conflict in opposition to India, whereas Pakistan will even have to be cautious of the opposite groups if they’re to progress to the knockout stage.
Pakistan will open their marketing campaign in opposition to Thailand on September 1. Their greatest group-stage task will observe on September 5 once they tackle arch-rivals India in what is anticipated to be one of many most-watched matches of the event. They may then face Hong Kong-China on September 7 of their closing group-stage fixture.
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka unveil squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2026; Dewmi Vihanga earns maiden call-up
This text was first revealed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
