Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi has been ruled out of the Women's T20 Asia Cup after suffering a knee injury. Sadaf Shamas has been named as her replacement in the Pakistan squad.
According to a PCB release, Alvi reported pain in her posterior left knee, and subsequent scans indicated a possible sprain. Following an assessment by the PCB's medical team, she will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately, with her recovery "expected to take up to four weeks".
Shamas, a right-handed batter, who was part of the reserves, has played 12 T20Is since making her international debut in January 2023. Though she has not featured in a T20I since October 2024, Shamas has had a great run in ODIs, having scored 488 runs in nine innings this year, including a maiden international hundred and four half-centuries.
The Women's Asia Cup will be held in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan are in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong. They begin their campaign on September 1 against Thailand and play India on September 5. Their last group-stage match will be two days later against Hong Kong.
Pakistan squad for Women's Asia Cup
Fatima Sana (capt), 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, Sadaf Shamas
Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees
