Karachi, May 1, 2024 – Pakistan women’s cricket squad has been named for tour of England this month, highlighted by three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals.
The squad, announced today by the newly-formed seven-member national selection committee, consists of 17 players under the continued leadership of seasoned captain Nida Dar.
This tour, scheduled from May 11 to May 29, is crucial as the One-Day Internationals form part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. Currently, Pakistan is in a commendable fifth position in the standings with 16 points. With the top five teams gaining automatic qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, alongside hosts India, the stakes could not be higher for the green shirts.
The team will kick off their campaign with two warm-up matches against the ECB Development XI, providing an opportunity to acclimatize to local conditions before the international fixtures begin. These matches will be vital for fine-tuning strategies and team dynamics, especially since this is the national team’s first tour to England since 2016.
The selectors have put forward a balanced team mixing experience and youthful enthusiasm. The squad includes stalwarts like Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Muneeba Ali, alongside emerging talents such as Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani. This blend ensures that the team not only has the resilience needed to compete on foreign soil but also the vigor to infuse fresh energy into their gameplay.
“The selection committee has carefully picked a squad considering the conditions in England and the importance of the ICC Women’s Championship matches,” stated Mauhtashim Rasheed, the interim head coach. “Our preparations have been focused and intensive, aiming to maximize our performance in both the T20 and ODI formats.”
Player support will be robust, with a comprehensive backroom staff including Nahida Khan as the manager and specialists like Saleem Jaffar for bowling, Taufeeq Umar for batting, and Hanif Malik handling fielding duties. This strong support system is geared to provide the players with all the necessary tools to succeed.
The tour officially begins with a T20 warm-up game at the Uptonsteel County Ground on May 9, followed by the first T20I against England in Birmingham on May 11. The T20 series will conclude in Leeds on May 19, after which the teams will shift their focus to the one-day format. The ODIs are set to start in Derby on May 23, moving through Taunton and concluding in Chelmsford on May 29.
Each match in this tour is more than just a game; it is a step towards qualification for the next Women’s Cricket World Cup. With critical points on the line in the ICC Women’s Championship, Pakistan’s women are not just representing their country; they are also fighting for a spot on cricket’s biggest stage.
Fans back home are eager and hopeful that their team will perform well on this pivotal tour, potentially securing their place at the World Cup in 2025. With solid leadership, a balanced team, and meticulous preparation, Pakistan’s women cricketers are all set to make a mark on the international stage in England.