The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with all-rounder Fatima Sana named captain for the first time in a World Cup campaign. The tournament will run from September 30 to November 2, with Pakistan playing all group-stage fixtures at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Sana, 22, led Pakistan earlier this year during the World Cup Qualifier in Lahore and now steps into the role for cricket’s biggest stage. Her leadership comes as Pakistan looks to blend experience with youthful energy in a bid to make a strong push for the semifinals.
New Blood Strengthens Squad Depth
Among the 15 selected players is Eyman Fatima, a promising 20-year-old batter who made her T20I debut against Ireland earlier this year. She will feature in her first ODI World Cup alongside Sadaf Shamas, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Syeda Aroob Shah—all making their tournament debuts.
Notably, Aroob Shah, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Eyman Fatima all represented Pakistan in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in 2023, highlighting the team’s focus on developing young talent.
Squad Changes and Reserves
Two changes were made from the side that played the World Cup Qualifier:
- In: Eyman Fatima and Sadaf Shamas
- Out: Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi
Both Feroza and Alvi have been named in a five-player reserve list, alongside Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
Preparation Plans
A two-week training camp will begin on August 29 in Lahore, giving players time to sharpen their skills under head coach Muhammad Wasim. The camp will feature practice matches and intense training sessions before a home ODI series against South Africa.
The South Africa women’s team arrives on September 12, with three ODIs scheduled for September 16, 19, and 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan’s World Cup Schedule
Pakistan’s campaign begins on October 2 against Bangladesh, followed by high-profile clashes with India and Australia.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 2 | Bangladesh | Colombo |
| October 5 | India | Colombo |
| October 8 | Australia | Colombo |
| October 15 | England | Colombo |
| October 18 | New Zealand | Colombo |
| October 21 | South Africa | Colombo |
| October 24 | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
Semifinals are set for October 29, with the final on November 2, both in Colombo if Pakistan qualifies.
Full Pakistan Squad for Women’s World Cup 2025
- 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
This squad reflects Pakistan’s push to invest in a younger core while maintaining the experience of senior players like Muneeba Ali and Diana Baig. With a packed calendar leading up to the tournament, the coming months will be crucial in shaping Pakistan’s chances on cricket’s biggest stage.
