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Pakistan is gearing up to host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, a significant event that will determine which two teams will advance to the prestigious 2025 Women’s World Cup in India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the 15-member squad that will represent the nation in this crucial tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Lahore from April 9 to 19. The event will feature a single-league round-robin format, with matches held at the Gaddafi Stadium and the LCCA ground. Alongside Pakistan, the tournament will include formidable teams such as Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies, making it a highly competitive affair. The selection of the squad comes after a period of evaluation, where players' fitness and form were closely scrutinized during the second phase of the preparation camp. Warm-up matches and practice sessions were integral to this process, allowing the selection committee to make informed decisions about the final composition of the team. The captaincy will be entrusted to Sana, an experienced player who has previously led Pakistan in six Twenty20 internationals and two One Day internationals (ODIs). Her leadership and experience will be crucial as Pakistan aims to secure a spot in the 2025 World Cup. A notable inclusion in the squad is Shawaal Zulfiqar, who makes a comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during a tour of New Zealand in December 2023. The tour was a memorable one for the team, as they achieved their maiden victory against the Kiwis. Zulfiqar's return adds depth and strength to the squad. The tournament marks the first outing for the Pakistan women's team since October of last year, when they faced New Zealand in their last group encounter in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a defeat in that match, losing by 54 runs. This Qualifier provides a crucial opportunity for the team to bounce back and demonstrate their capabilities on home soil. The schedule for Pakistan's matches has been announced, with the team set to face Scotland on April 11 at the LCCA ground in a day game. This will be followed by a day-night fixture against West Indies on April 14 at the Gaddafi Stadium. On April 17, Pakistan will take on Thailand in another day-night match at Gaddafi Stadium, and their final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on April 19 at the LCCA ground, which will be a day match. The PCB has also specified the timings for the matches, with day matches beginning at 9:30 am and day/night matches at 2 pm. It is important to note that Pakistan will be playing their matches at a neutral venue due to a “fusion” model agreed upon after India's refusal to play its matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. This decision adds an element of complexity to the tournament, as Pakistan will have to adapt to playing in conditions that are not entirely their own. The announcement of the squad and the schedule comes amidst concerns about the financial well-being of women domestic cricketers in Pakistan. It has come to light that the base payment for women domestic cricketers, announced by the PCB earlier in the month, is even less than the minimum wage set for unskilled workers in the country. Earlier in the month, the PCB had announced women’s domestic contracts for 90 players for the season 2024-25 — including 18 U-19, 62 emerging category and 10 capped players. While the PCB has stated that emerging and U-19 players will also receive a match fee, daily allowance, and a share in prize money, the monthly retainer amount has not been publicly disclosed. Reports suggest that the amount is below the minimum wage set for unskilled labourers at Rs37,000 for this fiscal year. Furthermore, there has been no increase in the match fees, which remain the same as last year despite the inflation that has occurred over the previous 12 months. This situation highlights the need for greater investment in women's cricket in Pakistan and for ensuring that players are adequately compensated for their efforts. The squad selected for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers is as follows: 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) and Syeda Aroob Shah. The reserve players are Ghulam Fatima, Waheeda Akhtar and Umm-e-Hani. The player support personnel includes 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 and conditioning coach), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist) and Kiran Shahzadi (masseuse). The stage is set for an exciting tournament, and Pakistan will be looking to make the most of their home advantage and secure a spot in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The team’s performance will not only depend on their skills and strategies on the field but also on the support they receive from the PCB and the fans. Addressing the financial concerns of domestic cricketers is crucial for the long-term growth and sustainability of women's cricket in Pakistan. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is more than just a tournament; it is an opportunity to showcase the talent and potential of women's cricket in Pakistan and to inspire the next generation of cricketers. The team's success in this tournament will have a significant impact on the future of women's cricket in the country.
The upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Lahore is a pivotal moment for Pakistan's women's cricket team. This tournament represents not only a chance to secure a coveted spot in the 2025 Women’s World Cup but also an opportunity to demonstrate the progress and potential of women's cricket in the nation. The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) announcement of the 15-member squad has set the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive and closely watched event. The decision to entrust the captaincy to Sana reflects the board's confidence in her leadership abilities and experience. Sana's previous captaincy roles in Twenty20 internationals and One Day internationals (ODIs) have equipped her with the necessary skills to guide the team through the challenges that lie ahead. Her strategic acumen, composure under pressure, and ability to inspire her teammates will be crucial as Pakistan navigates the demanding round-robin format of the tournament. The return of Shawaal Zulfiqar to the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury is a welcome boost for the team. Zulfiqar's presence adds depth and versatility to the batting lineup, and her experience from the tour of New Zealand, where the team achieved their maiden victory against the Kiwis, will be invaluable. The squad also comprises a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, creating a dynamic and well-rounded unit. Players like Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sundhu bring a wealth of experience to the team, while younger players like Omaima Sohail and Syeda Aroob Shah represent the future of Pakistan's women's cricket. The tournament will be the first outing for the Pakistan women's team since their disappointing performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup last year. The team will be eager to put that behind them and demonstrate their capabilities on home soil. The Qualifier presents a chance to showcase their skills and determination. The schedule for Pakistan's matches includes encounters against formidable opponents such as Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, and Bangladesh. These matches will test the team's resilience, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure. The fact that Pakistan will be playing their matches at a neutral venue, due to the “fusion” model agreed upon after India's refusal to play its matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, adds an extra layer of complexity to the tournament. The team will need to adapt to playing in conditions that are not entirely their own and overcome any psychological challenges that may arise from this situation. The concerns surrounding the financial well-being of women domestic cricketers in Pakistan cast a shadow over the preparations for the tournament. The fact that the base payment for women domestic cricketers is less than the minimum wage set for unskilled workers in the country is a stark reminder of the inequalities that still exist in the sport. The PCB needs to address these concerns and ensure that women cricketers are adequately compensated for their efforts. Investing in women's cricket is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic imperative for the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport. The upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its commitment to women's cricket and to inspire the next generation of cricketers. The team's performance in this tournament will have a lasting impact on the future of women's cricket in the country.
Beyond the immediate goals of qualifying for the 2025 Women's World Cup, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier holds significant long-term implications for the development of women's cricket in Pakistan. A successful performance in this tournament can inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport, leading to a larger talent pool and a more competitive domestic structure. The increased visibility and media coverage that come with hosting and participating in a major international tournament can also attract sponsors and investors, providing much-needed financial support for women's cricket programs. This support can be used to improve infrastructure, provide better coaching and training opportunities, and offer more competitive salaries to players. The benefits of a thriving women's cricket program extend beyond the sporting arena. Cricket can empower women and girls by providing them with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and challenge traditional gender roles. It can also promote social inclusion and create a sense of community. The PCB has a crucial role to play in fostering the growth of women's cricket in Pakistan. In addition to addressing the financial concerns of domestic cricketers, the board needs to invest in grassroots development programs, create more opportunities for women to participate in the sport at all levels, and promote women's cricket through marketing and media campaigns. The upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier provides a platform to showcase the progress that has been made in women's cricket in Pakistan and to set ambitious goals for the future. The PCB should use this opportunity to engage with stakeholders, including sponsors, media outlets, and government officials, to build support for women's cricket and to secure the resources needed to achieve these goals. The success of women's cricket in Pakistan depends not only on the efforts of the players and the PCB but also on the support of the fans. The Pakistani public can play a vital role in encouraging girls to take up the sport, attending matches, and showing their appreciation for the achievements of the women's national team. By creating a positive and supportive environment for women's cricket, Pakistan can unlock the full potential of its female cricketers and become a leading force in the global women's game. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is more than just a tournament; it is a catalyst for change and a symbol of hope for the future of women's cricket in Pakistan. The team's performance in this tournament will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless girls and women across the country. By working together, the PCB, the players, the fans, and the government can ensure that women's cricket in Pakistan continues to thrive and inspire generations to come. The commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive sporting landscape is vital for the long-term health and success of the sport. The dedication and passion of the players, combined with the support of the community, will pave the way for a brighter future for women's cricket in Pakistan.
Source: Hosts Pakistan announce squad for ICC Women’s World Cup qualifier next month