Pakistan Squad for Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 14-member squad for the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, appointing wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali as captain and Ayesha Zafar as vice-captain for the tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

The competition will take place in Ajman from November 12 to 25, bringing together emerging women’s cricket teams from across the world. Pakistan will enter the tournament with 12 players retained from the squad that secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan, while Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar return to the lineup.

Regular captain Fatima Sana will miss the event as she prepares to feature in her first season of Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Muneeba’s appointment gives her another opportunity to lead the national side while providing a platform for younger players to gain valuable international experience.

Pakistan Retain Core of Asian Games Squad

The PCB has maintained continuity by retaining most of the players who helped Pakistan win bronze at the Asian Games. The selection combines experienced campaigners with young batters and bowlers expected to play important roles during the competition.

The batting group includes Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Gull Feroza has also been included after earning recognition as the best wicketkeeper-batter in the recently concluded National Women’s T20 Tournament.

Ayesha Zafar, who will serve as vice-captain, is another important member of the squad.

The return of Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar adds further options for the selectors as Pakistan prepare for a challenging group-stage campaign.

The selection also offers the team an opportunity to strengthen its combinations and give emerging players greater exposure to international competition.

Nashra Sundhu to Lead Spin Attack

Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will spearhead Pakistan’s bowling attack, supported by Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani.

The spin options are expected to play a significant role throughout the tournament, particularly as Pakistan seek to control the middle overs and restrict opposition scoring.

Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar will provide the frontline pace options, giving the team a combination of spin and seam bowling.

The balance of the attack will be important as Pakistan face opponents with different batting styles and playing conditions in the UAE.

Pakistan Drawn in Group B

Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.

Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and hosts the United Arab Emirates.

The 10-team competition will begin with a single round-robin group stage. The top three sides from each group will progress to the Super Six round, where every qualifying team will play three matches.

The two highest-ranked teams at the end of the Super Six stage will advance to the final, scheduled for November 25.

The tournament will feature 30 matches in total, giving participating teams several opportunities to demonstrate their progress and compete for the title.

Training Camp to Begin in Lahore

Pakistan’s selected players will assemble in Lahore on November 6 before attending a three-day training camp from November 7 to 9.

The team will then travel to the UAE for the tournament.

The preparation period will allow the coaching staff to work on team combinations, batting partnerships, bowling plans and fielding standards before the opening matches.

Pakistan will be aiming to build on their recent performances while using the competition to develop players capable of contributing to the senior national side in future international assignments.