Pakistan’s Women’s Cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar have earned maiden call-ups to the senior squad after their impressive performances in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup.
The squad also includes Diana Baig, who returns to international cricket after recovering from a finger injury. The team will be led by captain Nida Dar, and they will be aiming for a hat-trick of gold medals in the Asian Games after winning the previous two editions in 2010 and 2014.
According to the ICC T20I rankings and the tournament’s rules, Pakistan will enter the event from the quarter-finals, scheduled from 22 to 24 September. The semi-finals will take place on 25 September, with the final and the match for the Bronze medal set for 26 September.
The final squad was finalized after deliberations among the women’s selection committee, head coach Mark Coles, and captain Nida Dar. The selected players represent the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan, with a mix of emerging talent and experienced players.
Former captain Bismah Maroof has opted out of the Asian Games due to the event’s regulations, which do not permit athletes to bring their children. Additionally, Ayesha Naseem, who featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, expressed her desire to retire from the game, which was accepted by the board.
PCB has officially accepted Ayesha Naseem's retirement!! #CricketTwitter 📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/ISQ7JogVns
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 25, 2023
The Chief Selector, Saleem Jaffar, expressed confidence in the squad’s abilities and strategic approach, aiming to showcase their talent on an international stage. The Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick, emphasized the team’s dedication and skill, hoping they can win the coveted title for the third time.
The support staff, including team manager Ayesha Ashhar, head coach Mark Coles, bowling coach Saleem Jaffer, fielding coach Mauhtashim Rashid, and physiotherapist Rifat Gill, will work alongside the players to ensure a successful campaign in the Asian Games.
Check out 🇵🇰 Pakistan's 1️⃣5️⃣-member squad for Asian Games
• Maiden call-ups to the senior national squads for Anoosha Nasir and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
• Bismah Maroof opts out because the rules don't allow athletes to carry their children.#CricketTwitter 📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/aVwU2m9sYH
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 25, 2023
Pakistan Women’s Cricket squad for Asian Games 2023:
Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Umm-e-Hani.
Head coach: Mark Coles. Bowling coach: Saleem Jaffer. Fielding coach: Mohtashim Rasheed. Physiotherapist: Rifat Gill. Manager: Ayesha Ashhar.
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