Muneeba Ali to Miss Asian Games 2026 After Returning to Pakistan Due to Mother’s Illness

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will miss the women’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan after returning home because of her mother’s illness. The 29-year-old left-handed top-order batter flew back from Dubai following the Asia Cup, while the rest of Pakistan’s 14-member squad travelled to Japan for the tournament, being held from September 17 to 22 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not name a replacement for Muneeba, citing logistical challenges and the limited time available before the knockout competition concludes on September 22. Gull Feroza will continue as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper for the remainder of the tournament, having taken over the gloves and opened the batting in the team’s opening match against Thailand.

Gull Feroza was Pakistan’s No. 3 during the recent Asia Cup in Dubai. She has also opened alongside Muneeba, including at the T20 World Cup, where she finished Pakistan’s campaign with an unbeaten 63 against the Netherlands in their final league match. Her dual responsibility with the bat and behind the stumps will be particularly important as Pakistan enter the decisive stages of the Asian Games.

Muneeba Ali was one of Pakistan’s senior players and the only batter from the team to score a half-century during the Asia Cup. She finished the sixth edition of the tournament with 75 runs in four innings, providing experience and stability at the top of the order. Her absence also removes an important leadership figure from Pakistan’s squad. Muneeba served as vice-captain at the T20 World Cup and led the side in the bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka in July. She took charge during the absence of regular captain Fatima Sana, who was in the United Kingdom representing Birmingham Phoenix in the 6th edition of The Hundred.

Pakistan, two-time Asian Games gold medallists, survived an early scare in Japan. In a rain-affected quarter-final against Thailand, Fatima Sana’s side were set a target of 92 in 11 overs. Pakistan eventually completed the chase with three wickets and two balls remaining, but the narrow victory underlined the competitive nature of the knockout tournament.

The result set up a semi-final against Sri Lanka, led by experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu, on Sunday. The Fatima Sana-led side would hope to continue their bid for a third Asian Games gold medal without one of their most experienced top-order batters. For Pakistan, Feroza’s performance will now be central to their campaign. She must provide reliability with the bat while managing the wicketkeeping duties, as the team looks to overcome Muneeba’s absence and remain on course for another podium finish in the 4th Asian Games hosted in Japan.

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Source: femalecricket.com