Sadaf Shamas Replaces Injured Najiha Alvi in Pakistan’s Asia Cup Squad

Pakistan have named batter Sadaf Shamas as the replacement for wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi in their squad for the Women's T20 Asia Cup after Alvi was ruled out with a knee injury.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Alvi experienced pain in the posterior region of her left knee. Scans subsequently indicated a possible sprain, and following an assessment by the PCB medical team, she will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately. Her recovery is expected to take up to four weeks.

Shamas, who was initially included among Pakistan's reserves, has now been promoted to the main squad. The right-handed batter has represented Pakistan in 12 T20 internationals since making her debut in January 2023.

Although Shamas has not played a T20I since October 2024, she has been in impressive form in ODI cricket this year. She has scored 488 runs in nine innings, including her maiden international century and four half-centuries.

The Women's T20 Asia Cup will be played in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Pakistan will begin their campaign against Thailand on September 1 before taking on India on September 5. They will complete their group-stage fixtures against Hong Kong on September 7.

Pakistan Squad for Women's T20 Asia Cup

• Fatima Sana (captain)

• Ayesha Zafar
• Eman Naseer
• Eyman Fatima
• Gull Feroza
• Momina Riasat
• Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper)
• Nashra Sandhu
• Sadia Iqbal
• Saira Jabeen
• Shawaal Zulfiqar
• Tuba Hassan
• Umm-e-Hani
• Waheeda Akhtar
• Sadaf Shamas

Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees

Shamas' inclusion provides Pakistan with an additional batting option as they prepare for the continental tournament, while Alvi will now focus on recovering from her knee injury.