Pakistan has officially revealed its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in Lahore from April 9 to 19, 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the announcement in a press release on Wednesday.
Tournament Format & Participating Teams
The high-stakes ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier will feature six teams, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies. The tournament follows a round-robin format, with all matches scheduled to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground.
The top two teams from the event will secure their spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be hosted by India later this year.
Pakistan to Play at Neutral Venue
In light of India’s earlier refusal to play in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the women’s team will compete at a neutral venue under a “fusion” model, as per the PCB’s announcement.
First Competitive Tournament Since October 2023
This event marks Pakistan’s first international appearance since the Women’s T20 World Cup in October 2023, where they suffered a 54-run defeat against New Zealand in their last group-stage match.
Squad Selection & Key Inclusions
The PCB emphasized that the squad selection was based on player fitness and performance in the second phase of the preparation camp, which included warm-up matches and intensive training sessions.
Key Squad Updates:
- Fatima Sana continues to lead as captain, with Muneeba Ali as vice-captain.
- Shawaal Zulfiqar makes a comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in December 2023 during Pakistan’s historic maiden win against New Zealand.
Pakistan’s Match Schedule
All day matches begin at 9:30 AM, while day/night fixtures start at 2:00 PM.
- April 9: Pakistan vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium (Day)
- April 11: Pakistan vs Scotland – LCCA Ground (Day)
- April 14: Pakistan vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium (Day/Night)
- April 17: Pakistan vs Thailand – Gaddafi Stadium (Day/Night)
- April 19: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – LCCA Ground (Day)
Squad for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025
Main Squad: Fatima Sana (Captain), Muneeba Ali (Vice-Captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (Wicket-Keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (Wicket-Keeper), Syeda Aroob Shah.
Reserves: Ghulam Fatima, Waheeda Akhtar, Umm-e-Hani.
Player Support Personnel
Hina Munawar (Manager), Muhammad Waseem (Head Coach), Junaid Khan (Assistant Coach – Bowling), Abdul Rehman (Assistant Coach – Spin Bowling), Abdul Saad (Assistant Coach – Fielding), Waleed Ahmed (Analyst), Muhammad Rafi Ullah (Media Manager), Muhammad Ramzan (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Tehreem Sumbal (Physiotherapist), Kiran Shahzadi (Masseuse).
Concerns Over Women’s Domestic Contracts
The PCB recently announced domestic contracts for 90 female players for the 2024-25 season, covering 18 U-19 players, 62 emerging players, and 10 capped players. However, reports indicate that the base salary for domestic cricketers is lower than the minimum wage for unskilled labor in Pakistan, set at Rs37,000 per month.
Despite rising inflation, the match fees have remained unchanged from the previous year, raising concerns among players and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s women’s team will aim to secure one of the two qualifying spots and book their ticket for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. With experienced players and a well-rounded squad, the team is set to make a strong impact in the upcoming tournament.
For the latest updates on the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team and the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, stay tuned!