The Asia Cup 2026 Pakistan Team has suffered a major setback just days before the start of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Nazeeha Alvi has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury, forcing the national selection committee to make a change to the squad.
The Women’s Asia Cup is scheduled to begin in the coming days, with eight teams set to compete for the continental title. Pakistan will enter the competition with a challenging group-stage schedule, but the team will now have to manage without Nazeeha, who was expected to contribute both behind the stumps and with the bat.
Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas has been named as Nazeeha’s replacement in the Pakistan squad.
Asia Cup 2026 Pakistan Team Hit by Injury Blow
Nazeeha Alvi complained of pain at the back of her left knee ahead of the tournament. Following medical examinations and scans, a possible sprain was identified.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team subsequently assessed the wicketkeeper-batter and advised her to begin a rehabilitation programme. Her recovery is expected to take around four weeks, meaning she will not be available for Pakistan during the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Nazeeha, with Pakistan preparing for an important international tournament. Her absence leaves the team with one less option in the batting and wicketkeeping departments.
The national women’s selection committee has therefore brought Sadaf Shamas into the squad as her replacement.
Sadaf Shamas Replaces Nazeeha Alvi
Sadaf Shamas has been given another opportunity to represent Pakistan at the international level. The right-handed batter made her T20I debut in January 2023 and has played 12 T20I matches for the national side.
Her inclusion gives Pakistan another batting option as the team prepares for a demanding group-stage campaign. With the tournament featuring several strong teams, Pakistan will need contributions from experienced players as well as those stepping into bigger roles.
For Sadaf, the Asia Cup provides an important platform to make an impact and strengthen her position within the national team.
Pakistan to Begin Asia Cup Campaign Against Thailand
The Asia Cup 2026 Pakistan Team has been placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Pakistan will begin its campaign against Thailand on September 1 in Dubai. The opening game will be an important opportunity for the team to settle into the tournament before facing stronger opposition later in the group stage.
Pakistan’s most anticipated group-stage fixture will come against arch-rivals India on September 5. The India-Pakistan contest is expected to attract significant attention from cricket fans across the region and beyond.
The ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will be played in Dubai from August 28 to September 13, with eight teams competing for the championship.
When Will India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup Match Be Played?
The much-awaited India vs Pakistan match will be played on September 5 in Dubai.
India have traditionally enjoyed the upper hand against Pakistan in women’s cricket, and the Indian team will enter the contest with strong expectations. However, Pakistan will be determined to produce a competitive performance and challenge one of the tournament favourites.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan always brings additional pressure and attention, making their Asia Cup meeting one of the most closely watched matches of the tournament.
India also have an impressive record in the Women’s Asia Cup. The Indian women’s team have won the tournament seven times, making them the most successful side in the competition.
In the 2024 edition, India reached the final but were beaten by Sri Lanka. The result denied India another Asia Cup title and gave Sri Lanka their first Women’s Asia Cup championship.
Pakistan Women’s Team Squad for Asia Cup 2026
Following the replacement of Nazeeha Alvi, the Pakistan squad includes
Fatima Sana (Captain)
Ayesha Zafar
Eman Nasir
Aiman Fatima
Gull Feroza
Momina Riazat
Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (Wicketkeeper)
Sadaf Shamas
Nashra Sundhu
Sadia Yaqoob
Syra Jabeen
Shawaal Zulfiqar
Tuba Hassan
Umm-e-Hasan
Umda-e-Hasan
Pakistan Face Early Challenge in Women’s Asia Cup
Pakistan will now head into the tournament with an adjusted squad after losing Nazeeha Alvi to injury. The team will hope that her rehabilitation progresses well and that she can return to action after the expected four-week recovery period.
For Pakistan, the immediate focus will be on starting the tournament strongly against Thailand before turning attention towards the high-profile clash with India.
With eight teams competing and qualification from the group stage at stake, every match will be important. The inclusion of Sadaf Shamas gives Pakistan another opportunity to strengthen its batting options, while the rest of the squad will be expected to step up during Nazeeha’s absence.
The Asia Cup 2026 Pakistan Team will therefore begin its campaign under some pressure, but the squad still has an opportunity to make a strong impression in Dubai. The September 5 clash against India will be the biggest test of the group stage, while Pakistan’s opening match against Thailand on September 1 will set the tone for its campaign.
