The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, appointing the young all-rounder Fatima Sana as captain for the prestigious tournament. The mega-event is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka this September, with Pakistan set to play all of their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This arrangement follows the “hybrid model” previously used in the Champions Trophy, which was implemented after India declined to travel to Pakistan.
The squad represents a strategic blend of seasoned players and fresh talent, with six cricketers poised to make their debut in an ODI World Cup. These debutants include Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Syeda Aroob Shah. Furthermore, the selection highlights a focus on youth, with 20-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar and 21-year-old Syeda Aroob Shah having already gained valuable international experience at the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in 2023.
Captain Fatima Sana, who is only 23 years old, is no stranger to leadership, having previously guided the team to a perfect win record at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier held in Lahore earlier this year. The PCB also confirmed that uncapped right-handed batter Eyman Fatima has earned her spot in the ODI squad. Two changes were made from the Qualifier squad, with Eyman and Sadaf Shamas replacing Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who have been named among the five non-travelling reserves.
In preparation for the global event, the team will first host South Africa for a three-match ODI series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from September 16-22. The entire squad, along with the reserve players, will undergo an intensive 14-day training camp starting August 29, featuring practice sessions and 50-over practice matches under the guidance of coach Muhammad Wasim. The South African team is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on September 12.
