Pakistan announce women’s squad for ICC Emerging Nations Trophy in UAE

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 14-member women’s squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, with wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali appointed captain and Ayesha Zafar named vice-captain.

The 10-team tournament will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25, offering Pakistan an opportunity to test its emerging talent against international opposition.

According to the PCB, the squad retains 12 players from Pakistan’s Asian Games bronze medal-winning team, while Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have also been included. Regular captain Fatima Sana will miss the competition because of her commitments in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

The selected squad features Muneeba Ali, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.

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 tournament, introduced in 2025, will mark Pakistan women’s first appearance in the Emerging Nations Trophy. The competition is designed to provide developing cricket nations with valuable exposure and opportunities to strengthen their squads.

The Pakistan squad will assemble in Lahore on November 6 before attending a training camp from November 7 to 9. The team will then travel to Ajman for the tournament.

The support staff will include 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.

With a strong core retained from the Asian Games bronze medal-winning side, Pakistan will aim to build on its recent progress and make a competitive start to its maiden Emerging Nations Trophy campaign.