The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national women’s squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, revealing a split leadership structure and a significantly revamped lineup for the T20I format. The selection committee named separate 15-member contingents for the One-Day International and Twenty20 International series.
Leadership Duties Divided Between Fatima Sana and Muneeba Ali
In a strategic move dictated by player availability, the leadership duties will be shared. All-rounder Fatima Sana will retain the captaincy for the three-match ODI series. However, she will hand over the reins to wicket-keeper batter Muneeba Ali for the T20I leg of the tour. Fatima Sana is scheduled to depart for England following the conclusion of the ODI series to participate in The Hundred competition.
Eight Changes Reshape Pakistan’s T20I Strategy
The PCB has rung in the changes for the shortest format, making eight alterations to the squad that recently competed in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The fresh faces injected into the T20I setup include Iman Naseer, Hamna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riazat, Najiha Alvi, Shawal Zulfiqar, Um Hani, and Waeda Akhtar. This signals a clear intent to test the bench strength and build towards future campaigns.
Among the newcomers, Iman Naseer, Maham Anees, Momina Riazat are poised to potentially make their T20I debuts on Sri Lankan soil. The ODI squad also features uncapped players, with Maham Anees and Saira Jabeen eyeing their maiden caps in the 50-over format.
Tour Schedule and ICC Women’s Championship Implications
The tour is set to commence with the ODI series, which holds significant weight as part of the ICC Women’s Championship. The three matches are scheduled for July 23, 25, and 28. Following the conclusion of the ODIs, the focus will shift to the T20I series, with the entire tour concluding on August 4.
Complete Squads for the Sri Lanka Tour
The selection committee has assembled a blend of experience and youth across both formats. The full squads are listed below:
ODI Squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riazat, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Um Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
T20I Squad: Muneeba Ali (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Iman Naseer, Iman Fatima, Hamna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riazat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawal Zulfiqar, Tia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Um Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
