Pakistan Announces Squad for ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled a 14-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026. The tournament will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. Captain Muneeba Ali will lead the side, with Ayesha Zafar serving as vice-captain. Veteran Fatima Sana, the regular captain, will be absent as she prepares for her debut in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia.

Twelve players from the squad that secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan have been retained. Two new additions to the team are Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar. The batting order comprises Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Gull Feroza, the best wicketkeeper-batter from the recent National Women’s T20 Tournament, also features in the squad.

Nashra Sundhu will be the leading spin bowler, supported by Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e-Hani. Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar will supply the pace. Pakistan has been placed in Group B along with Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. Group A includes Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and the host nation, UAE.

The 30-match tournament kicks off with a round-robin group stage, followed by the Super Six stage, where the top three teams from each group will compete in three-match matches. The final is scheduled for November 25. The Pakistan squad is set to arrive in Lahore on November 6 for a three-day training camp, taking place from November 7 to 9, before embarking on their journey to the UAE.