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

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi has been ruled out of the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup with a left knee injury and is expected to undergo rehabilitation for up to four weeks. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas has been named as her replacement. Shamas has represented Pakistan in 12 WT20Is since making her international debut in January 2023.

The ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup will be held in Dubai from August 28 to September 13, with Pakistan drawn in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China.

"Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi has been ruled out of Pakistan's squad for the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup due to injury, with right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas named as her replacement. Najiha reported pain in her posterior left knee, while later the scans revealed a possible sprain in it," PCB said in a statement.

"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 national women's selection committee added Sadaf to the Asia Cup squad. She has played 12 WT20Is so far after making her debut in January 2023," the statement further added.

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. (ANI)