In a bid to bolster Pakistan lineup for the upcoming series against the West Indies, the National Women’s Selection Committee, led by Saleem Jaffar, has unveiled a 16-member squad comprising both ODI and T20I players. The series, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, is scheduled to take place from April 18 to May 3 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The ODIs, forming part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, are set to commence from April 18 and conclude on April 23, while the T20Is will follow from April 26 to May 3. This series holds significant importance for Pakistan as they aim to accumulate crucial points in the ICC Women’s Championship, enhancing their prospects for direct qualification in the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
Among the notable inclusions in the squad are wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz, who makes a return after last featuring in the ODI series against South Africa in 2023, and four players for T20Is – Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tuba Hassan. This selection reflects the selectors’ focus on rewarding players who have displayed promising performances in domestic tournaments and training camps.
Pakistan Women’s ODI squad
Nida Dar (C), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof (subject to fitness), Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (WK), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (WK), Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
Pakistan Women’s T20I squad
Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof (subject to fitness), Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (WK), Najiha Alvi (WK), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani
While Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, and Rameen Shamim will participate in the National Women’s One-Day Tournament in Faisalabad from April 17 before rejoining the national squad for the T20I series, the squad’s fitness will be closely monitored, with Bismah Maroof, recovering from a minor injury sustained in a recent car accident, undergoing a fitness test ahead of the series.
Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar expressed confidence in the selected squads, emphasizing the importance of securing victories against the West Indies to strengthen Pakistan’s standing in international women’s cricket. He highlighted the series as an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and secure spots for the upcoming England tour, while also commending the ongoing domestic tournaments for providing a platform for talent development.
As the players gear up for rigorous training sessions ahead of the series, expectations are high for a competitive and thrilling contest between Pakistan and the West Indies. With both teams aiming for victory, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting display of skill and determination on the field.