Lahore (Sports Desk): Pakistan’s women’s cricket squad has been announced for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, with wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali appointed captain and Ayesha Zafar named vice-captain.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the 10-team tournament will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25.
Twelve players from the bronze medal-winning team at the Asian Games have been retained in the 14-member squad, while Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have also been included. Captain Fatima Sana will miss the tournament due to her participation in the Big Bash League.
The squad comprises Muneeba Ali (captain), Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain), Eman Naseer, Eman Fatima, Gul Feroza, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Syra Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.
Pakistan’s women’s team will participate in the tournament for the first time. The competition was launched in 2025. Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates.
The Pakistani squad will assemble in Lahore on November 6, followed by a training camp from November 7 to 9 before departing for Ajman.
The team’s support staff includes mentor Wahab Riaz, manager Ayesha Zafar, batting coach Imran Farhat, spin bowling coach Abdul Rehman, fast bowling coach Umaid Asif and fielding coach Abdul Hameed.