Najiha Alvi, the wicketkeeper-batter for Pakistan, will miss the upcoming Women's Asia Cup 2026 due to a left knee injury sustained during recent training sessions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conducted assessments following Najiha's complaints of posterior left knee pain, resulting in scans that indicated a probable sprain. Subsequently, Sadaf Shamas has been named as her replacement in the squad for the crucial tournament set to commence on August 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Women's Asia Cup Details
The Women's Asia Cup is a significant event in the cricket calendar, running from August 28 to September 13, featuring competitive teams from across Asia. Pakistan finds itself placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Their group-stage matches are scheduled as follows:
- September 1: vs Thailand
- September 5: vs India
- September 7: vs Hong Kong
The semi-finals are set for September 10 and 11, with the final match occurring on September 13.
Najiha Alvi's Injury and Rehabilitation Timeline
Upon reporting discomfort in her left knee, detailed medical assessments confirmed that Najiha is to enter a rehabilitation phase, anticipated to last up to four weeks. The PCB's medical team will closely monitor her recovery process. As stated by the PCB, "Najiha reported pain in her posterior left knee, and the scans revealed a possible sprain. She will commence her rehabilitation programme immediately. The national women's selection committee has added Sadaf to the Asia Cup squad." This timeline puts her return after the tournament, affecting her opportunities for future international commitments.
Sadaf Shamas' International Record
The selection of Sadaf Shamas presents an exciting opportunity as she has recently been making her mark in international women's cricket. Having debuted in January 2023, Sadaf has participated in 12 WT20Is to date, accumulating noteworthy statistics. During an ODI series against Zimbabwe in May 2026, she scored 289 runs and famously hit a maiden ODI century on that tour, showcasing her scoring ability and readiness to step into Najiha's shoes at such a crucial time.
Pakistan's Squad for Women's Asia Cup 2026
Under the leadership of Fatima Sana, who returns after her stint with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, Pakistan's team consists of 15 players: Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Sadaf Shamas, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
In their recent ODIs against Sri Lanka, Pakistan faced a disappointing 1-2 defeat overall. Following this, they also endured a similar fate in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, indicating the need for strong performances in the Asia Cup.
Conclusion
With Najiha Alvi's absence, the onus will shift to Sadaf Shamas and the rest of the squad to deliver in the Women's Asia Cup. The tournament presents a vital opportunity for Pakistan to redeem themselves after recent losses. Can they outperform their opponents and progress through the group stages?