The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized a 15-member squad for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, handing the captaincy to versatile off-spinner Umm-e-Hani. The team is set to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, for the T20 tournament which runs from February 13 to 22. This selection represents a strategic bridge between the senior national side and the next generation of talent, as Hani will be supported by experienced internationals like opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar and veteran pacer Waheeda Akhtar.
The squad selection reflects a strong emphasis on recent performances at the age-group level. Most notably, Pakistan U19 captain Eman Naseer and batter Komal Khan have forced their way into the “A” side following their impressive contributions during a successful T20 series against Bangladesh U19. The batting unit is further bolstered by the inclusion of Gull Rukh, Hafsa Khalid, and Huraina Sajjad, while the gloves will be handled by Yusra Amir.
Pakistan’s bowling philosophy for the Bangkok conditions appears centered on a diversified spin attack. Alongside the captain, the squad features the left-arm orthodox duo of Anosha Nasir and Momina Riasat, complemented by all-rounder Noreen Yaqoob. The pace department, led by the seasoned Waheeda Akhtar, includes a youthful supporting cast of Lubna Behram, Neha Sharmin Nadeem, and Syeda Masooma Jafri. Four players, including Zunash Abdul Sattar and Maham Anees, will remain on standby as non-travelling reserves.
The tournament structure places Pakistan ‘A’ in a competitive Group A where they will face India ‘A’ in a highly anticipated clash, as well as the senior national teams of Nepal and the UAE. Group B features the “A” sides of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka alongside Malaysia and the host nation, Thailand. Pakistan will open their campaign against Nepal on February 13, followed by fixtures against India and the UAE. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on February 20, with the ultimate winner crowned in the final on February 22.
Pakistan Women’s ‘A Squad:
Batters: Eman Naseer (Islamabad), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Hafsa Khalid (Karachi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Shawaal Zulfiqar (Lahore)
Wicketkeeper: Komal Khan (Lahore), Yusra Amir (Karachi)
All-rounders: Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore) and Umm-e-Hani (Faisalabad)
Spinners: Anosha Nasir (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad)
Pacers: Lubna Behram (Hunza), Neha Sharmin Nadeem (Karachi), Syeda Masooma Jafri (Karachi), Waheeda Akhtar (Lahore)
Non-travelling reserves: Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Amber Kainat (Lahore) and Ayesha Bilal (Lahore)
Schedule of Pakistan ‘A’ matches:
- 13 February – Pakistan ‘A’ v Nepal – 9.30am local time
- 15 February – Pakistan ‘A’ v India ‘A’ – 2pm local time
- 17 February – Pakistan ‘A’ v UAE – 2pm local time
- 20 February – Semifinal 1 and 2 – 9am and 2pm local time
- 22 February – Final – 2pm local time
(all matches at Terdthai Cricket Ground)
Under the guidance of head coach Muhammad Masroor and a specialized support staff, the team is currently undergoing rigorous preparation. Following an initial week-long probable camp in late January, the final 15 are now engaged in a pre-departure camp at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre. The contingent is scheduled to depart for Thailand on February 10, carrying the momentum of a youth system that is increasingly proving its worth on the international stage.
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