According to international media reports on Thursday, experienced Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will miss the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket tournament because her mother is ill. As reported by the international cricket news site Cricinfo, the 29-year- old returned to Pakistan due to her mother’s illness and therefore missed their quarter-final match against Thailand, which took place earlier today at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
The Pakistan Cricket Board stated it will not select a substitute for Muneeba, due to logistical difficulties and the short time left in the tournament. The event is set to end by September 22, leaving the squad with minimal room to make any personnel changes. Pakistan’s 14-player team, led by Fatima Sana, includes Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e -Hani.
The right-handed batter opened the innings for Pakistan alongside Muneeba in this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, finishing with an unbeaten 63 against the Netherlands. Muneeba’s absence will be a significant setback for Pakistan, as the 29-year- old was one of their most experienced players and also stood out as their top batter in the recently concluded ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.
Pakistan successfully navigated their rain-shortened quarter- final against Thailand, reaching a target of 92 in just 11 overs to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Feroza’s promotion to opener shows how the squad has reshuffled its batting order without adding a direct substitute.
Muneeba had consistently occupied the top spot in Pakistan’s batting lineup in recent tournaments and also captained the team in bilateral T20Is against Sri Lanka in July 2026, during Fatima Sana’s absence. Her leaving creates a gap that the other batters, including Feroza, will have to cover together.
Pakistan squad for Asian Games 2026 Updated:
Fatima Sana ( c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza ( wk), Humna Bilal, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e -Hani.
