Muneeba Ali flies home from Asian Games 2026 due to mother's illness

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has withdrawn from the Asian Games 2026 women's cricket tournament after flying home to be with her ailing mother. She will play no further part in the competition, which is being contested in a knockout format.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed it will not call up a replacement for Muneeba, citing logistical challenges and the limited time remaining in the tournament. The event is scheduled to conclude by September 22, leaving the squad with little scope for any adjustment to its personnel.

Pakistan's 14-member squad is captained by Fatima Sana and comprises 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.

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Who will keep wicket for Pakistan in Muneeba's absence?

Gull Feroza has been confirmed as the wicketkeeper for the remainder of the tournament. She also moved up to open the batting in Pakistan's first match against Thailand on September 17, 2026, taking on the role that Muneeba would ordinarily have occupied at the top of the order.

Pakistan came through that rain-curtailed quarter-final against Thailand successfully, chasing down a target of 92 in 11 overs to advance to the semi-finals. Feroza's elevation to opener reflects how the squad has reorganised its batting order without bringing in a direct replacement.

Muneeba had been a consistent presence at the top of Pakistan's batting order across recent tournaments and had also led the side in bilateral T20Is against Sri Lanka in July 2026, when Fatima Sana was unavailable. Her departure leaves a gap that the remaining batters, including Feroza, will need to collectively fill.

What are Pakistan's chances of winning gold at Asian Games 2026?

Pakistan have a strong record in women's cricket at the Asian Games, having claimed gold medals in both the 2010 and 2014 editions. The squad will be aiming to secure a third title in the current tournament.

Following their quarter-final victory over Thailand, Pakistan are set to face the winner of the Sri Lanka versus Malaysia match in the semi-final. The final is scheduled for September 22, 2026.

The side will be without one of their most experienced top-order batters for those knockout fixtures. However, the squad retains considerable depth, and Feroza's seamless transition into the keeping and opening roles has provided some early reassurance ahead of the semi-final.