ISLAMABAD: Thirty-two-year-old batsman Nain Abidi has returned to the Pakistan side for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, after an eight-month break from cricket. She was named in the 15-member squad, along with four reserves, for the six-nation tournament to be played in Malaysia starting June 3. Abidi last played international cricket during the World Cup last year in England and subsequently moved to the USA after her marriage earlier in 2017. She returned to domestic cricket for the Zarai Tarakiati Bank women’s team earlier this month and had a productive tournament with two fifties, including an unbeaten 85 off 65 in the final on Thursday that helped them clinch the Departmental T20 trophy. Abidi missed Pakistan’s last two outings, the ICC Women’s Championship matches against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. “Staying away from cricket is always difficult. I have played professional cricket for 11 years, so going and staying away from cricket was the most difficult part after marriage,” Abidi said. Bismah Maroof continues to lead the team, following a 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka in March. The Women’s Asia Cup will consist of Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Published in Daily Times, May 13th 2018.