PCB Announces 25-Player Squad for Women's T20 World Cup Preparations

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a formidable 25-player squad for the preparatory camp ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The camp is all set to begin on the 7th of August and will entertain not only hectic training sessions but also tough fitness sessions for the country’s women cricketers.

It contains a mix of talent, as nine batters and eight bowlers have been included in the lineup, along with six all-rounders and two wicketkeepers. All-rounders include Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Nida Dar, Rameen Shamim, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Tuba Hassan.

The batters are Ayesha Zafar, Dua Majid, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, and Yusra Amir. Fast bowlers selected for the camp are Diana Baig, Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Tasmia Rubab, Waheeda Akhtar, and Zaib-un-Nisa Niaz, while spinners include Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Umm-e-Hani. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Muneeba Ali and Najiha Alvi.

The camp will last till August 18, when fitness and medical tests will start the proceedings. Sessions will include medical tests, fitness drills, and fielding sessions. From August 19, the team will progress to the skills session, which includes net practice under the watchful eyes of the national coaching staff.

The women’s team of Pakistan recently made it to the semifinals at the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, where they lost to Sri Lanka by three wickets, setting the tone for their T20 World Cup preparation. Pakistan is put in Group A for the T20 World Cup and is scheduled to face off against arch-rivals India on October 6, defending champions Australia on October 8, Sri Lanka on October 11, and New Zealand on October 13. Only the top two teams in the group will make it through to the semis; hence, every game holds significance for Pakistan.