Pakistan women’s squads announced for Sri Lanka tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national women’s squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will compete in both One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series. Separate 15-member squads have been named for each format as the team prepares for an important overseas assignment beginning later this month.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana will continue to lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series. However, she will not be available for the T20I leg of the tour, as she is scheduled to travel to England to participate in The Hundred immediately after the conclusion of the ODI matches. In her absence, experienced wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will captain the Pakistan women’s team during the T20I series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has made significant changes to the T20I squad that previously represented the country at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. A total of eight new players have been included as part of the team’s preparations for future international competitions and to provide opportunities to emerging talent.

The players added to the T20I squad include Iman Naseer, Hamna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Shawal Zulfiqar, Umm Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar. Among them, Iman Naseer, Maham Anees, and Momina Riasat are set to make their T20 International debuts if selected in the playing eleven during the series.

The ODI series will carry additional significance, as all three matches are part of the ICC Women’s Championship, making every game important in Pakistan’s qualification campaign for future ICC tournaments. The three ODIs are scheduled to be played on July 23, July 25, and July 28.

The ODI squad also includes promising newcomers Maham Anees and Saira Jabeen, both of whom are yet to make their ODI international debuts. Their inclusion reflects the selectors’ focus on developing young talent while maintaining a balanced squad featuring experienced players and rising stars.

The Pakistan ODI squad comprises captain Fatima Sana, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan T20I squad will be led by Muneeba Ali and includes Ayesha Zafar, Iman Naseer, Iman Fatima, Hamna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.

The tour of Sri Lanka is expected to provide valuable international experience for several young cricketers while also allowing the team management to assess new combinations ahead of future global events. The inclusion of debutants and emerging players highlights Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its talent pool and build a competitive squad for upcoming international tournaments.

Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka will run from July 23 to August 4, featuring both ODI and T20I matches. The series will not only contribute to the team’s preparation for future competitions but will also play an important role in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, making it a crucial assignment for the national side.