Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has withdrawn from the women’s cricket event at the Asian Games due to her mother’s illness. Muneeba left Dubai for Pakistan after the conclusion of the Asia Cup, while the rest of the national squad travelled to Japan for the Asian Games. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided against calling up a replacement for Muneeba, with limited time available before the knockout stage concludes on September 22.
In Muneeba’s absence, Gull Feroza will take responsibility for wicketkeeping while also opening the batting for Pakistan. She performed both duties during Pakistan’s quarter-final against Thailand. Pakistan secured a place in the semi-finals after defeating Thailand by three wickets in a rain-affected quarter-final. The victory set up a semi-final clash against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played on September 20. With Muneeba unavailable for the remainder of the tournament, Gull Feroza will continue in the dual role as Pakistan prepare for their semi-final.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not expected to name a replacement for Muneeba, reports say. The tournament is being played in a knockout format. It will end on September 22. This leaves little time for a replacement to join the team.
Gull Feroza took over as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper against Thailand. She is expected to continue in the role for the rest of the tournament.
Feroza usually plays as a top-order batter in T20 cricket. She will also open the innings in Muneeba’s absence. The right-handed batter has opened for Pakistan before. She also opened with Muneeba during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year. She scored an unbeaten 63 against the Netherlands in the tournament.