Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-member women’s squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. All-rounder Fatima Sana has been given the honor of leading the national side as captain for the very first time in a major global tournament.

The Women’s World Cup 2025 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 2 November. Along with the World Cup, the same squad will also represent Pakistan in a three-match ODI home series against South Africa, which will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 16 to 22 September.

Fatima Sana to Lead the Team

This World Cup marks a special milestone in Fatima Sana’s career. The 23-year-old all-rounder has previously represented Pakistan in the last edition of the Women’s World Cup, but this will be her first time as captain in such a high-profile tournament.

Earlier this year, Fatima successfully captained Pakistan in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier held in Lahore, where she guided the team to an unbeaten record, ensuring Pakistan’s qualification for the 2025 World Cup. Her leadership skills and consistent performances have earned her the trust of the selectors and the management.

Matches to Be Played in Colombo

Pakistan will play all of its group-stage matches at the historic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Should the team advance further, the semi-final (29 October) and the final (2 November) will also take place at the same venue.

New Faces and Debutants

The squad includes six players who will be making their ODI World Cup debut this year:

• Natalia Parvaiz (8 ODIs, 24 T20Is)
• Rameen Shamim (8 ODIs, 11 T20Is)
• Sadaf Shamas (15 ODIs, 12 T20Is)
• Sadia Iqbal (27 ODIs, 50 T20Is)
• Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 9 T20Is)
• Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 15 T20Is)

Adding more strength to the batting order, uncapped right-handed batter Eyman Fatima, who recently made her T20I debut against Ireland, has been given a chance in the ODI squad.

Interestingly, young stars Aroob Shah (21), Shawaal Zulfiqar (20), and Eyman Fatima (20) all represented Pakistan in the first-ever ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup held in South Africa in 2023.

Changes from Qualifiers

Two changes have been made compared to the squad that played the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier earlier this year. Eyman Fatima and Sadaf Shamas have replaced Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi. Meanwhile, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar join Gull and Najiha as the five-member non-traveling reserves.

Preparations and Training Camp

To get ready for the South Africa series and the World Cup, the 15-member squad, along with reserves, will take part in a 14-day pre-series camp starting Friday, 29 August.

Under the supervision of head coach Muhammad Wasim, the players will undergo intensive practice sessions, match simulations, and fitness training. The camp will also feature 50-over practice matches to prepare the team for the ODI format.

South Africa’s women’s team is expected to arrive in Lahore on 12 September, giving both sides time to adjust before the ODI series begins.

Full Squad List

Pakistan Women’s 15-Member Squad

• Fatima Sana (Captain)
• Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (Vice-Captain)
• Aliya Riaz
• Diana Baig
• Eyman Fatima
• Nashra Sundhu
• Natalia Parvaiz
• Omaima Sohail
• Rameen Shamim
• Sadaf Shamas
• Sadia Iqbal
• Shawaal Zulfiqar
• Sidra Amin
• Sidra Nawaz (Wicket-keeper)
• Syeda Aroob Shah

Non-Traveling Reserves

• Gull Feroza
• Najiha Alvi
• Tuba Hassan
• Umm-e-Hani
• Waheeda Akhtar

Support Staff

• Hina Munawar (Manager)
• Muhammad Wasim (Head Coach)
• Junaid Khan (Assistant Coach – Bowling)
• Tahir Khan (Assistant Coach – Bowling)
• Abdul Saad (Fielding Coach)
• Muhammad Rafi Ullah (Media Manager)
• Muhammad Asfand Yar (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
• Waleed Ahmed (Analyst)
• Tehreem Sumbal (Physiotherapist)
• Kiran Shahzadi (Masseuse)
• Team Doctor (to be confirmed)

Pakistan vs South Africa ODI Series Schedule (Lahore)

• 16 September – First ODI
• 19 September – Second ODI
• 22 September – Third ODI

Pakistan’s Fixtures for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

• 2 October – vs Bangladesh
• 5 October – vs India
• 8 October – vs Australia
• 15 October – vs England
• 18 October – vs New Zealand
• 21 October – vs South Africa
• 24 October – vs Sri Lanka

This World Cup will be a true test of Pakistan’s rising women cricketers, especially under the leadership of Fatima Sana. With several young players making their debut and senior players adding stability, Pakistan fans will be hoping for a strong performance from their team on the global stage.

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