Najiha Alvi ruled out of Women's T20 Asia Cup, Sadaf Shamas named replacement

Injury and Replacement

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi has been ruled out of the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup with a left knee injury, with right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas named as her replacement. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Sunday that medical assessments revealed a joint issue, and Najiha is expected to undergo rehabilitation for up to four weeks.

The PCB statement, quoted by The Tribune, said Najiha reported pain in her posterior left knee, and later scans revealed a possible sprain. "Following an assessment by the PCB's medical team, Najiha is set to begin her rehabilitation programme immediately, which is expected to last up to four weeks," the statement added. The national women's selection committee added Sadaf to the Asia Cup squad. Sadaf has played 12 Women's T20 Internationals since making her international debut in January 2023.

Squad and Captaincy

The PCB also released the full squad for the tournament, with Fatima Sana as captain. The squad includes Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar, and Sadaf Shamas. Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, and Maham Anees are named as reserves.

Muneeba Ali will serve as the wicketkeeping option following Najiha's withdrawal, as reported by The Cricket Times. Fatima Sana, who missed Pakistan's recent T20I series against Sri Lanka due to her commitments with The Hundred, representing Birmingham Phoenix, returns as captain for the continental competition.

Tournament Schedule and Group

The ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup will be held in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand, and Hong Kong-China, according to The Cricket Times, while ANI's report lists the group as including India, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China. Pakistan will open their campaign against Thailand on September 1, with their match against India scheduled for September 5, and the final group match against Hong Kong-China on September 7, as detailed by The Cricket Times.

Perspectives

• Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): The PCB confirmed the injury and the replacement, stating that medical assessments revealed a possible sprain and that Najiha will begin rehabilitation immediately. The board also named Sadaf Shamas as the replacement through the national women's selection committee.
• The Cricket Times' framing: The outlet describes the injury as a "major setback" and a "blow," emphasizing the team's reliance on other players and the demanding nature of the campaign, while also highlighting the highly anticipated clash with India.