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—Pakistan have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the Ireland tri-series, with Fatima Sana retaining captaincy and five players set to make their World Cup debut
The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled the squad on Friday ahead of the tri-series in Dublin starting on May 28 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled from June 12 to July 5 in England and Wales. Pakistan will compete against Ireland and West Indies in the preparatory tri-series before entering the 12-team global tournament.
Twenty-four-year-old Fatima Sana will lead the national side for the second successive Women’s T20 World Cup after captaining Pakistan in the 2024 edition held in the United Arab Emirates. Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has been named vice-captain as selectors opted for a blend of experienced players and emerging talent.
The squad includes five players set to appear in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time. Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab earned places following performances in domestic cricket and recent international assignments. Pakistan recently completed a 3-0 T20I series whitewash against Zimbabwe in Karachi, a result viewed by team management as a confidence boost before the major tournaments.
Pakistan’s bowling attack will again rely heavily on spin options led by Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. The trio has remained central to Pakistan’s white-ball strategy in recent years, particularly in slower conditions. Diana Baig will strengthen the pace department alongside captain Fatima Sana, who has emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading all-rounders in T20 cricket.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has joined the women’s setup as mentor and head coach for the upcoming assignments. The support staff also includes Abdur Rehman as spin bowling coach, Umaid Asif as fast bowling coach and former international batter Imran Farhat as batting coach. PCB officials believe the expanded coaching structure will improve tactical preparation and player development ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan will play two warm-up matches before the tournament begins. The side will face Sri Lanka on June 6 and Scotland on June 9 in Derby. Team management considers the fixtures important for adjusting to English conditions before the start of the group stage.
Pakistan will open their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against India on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. They will remain in Birmingham for their second fixture against South Africa on June 17. Pakistan will then travel to Southampton to face Bangladesh at the Hampshire Bowl on June 20 before meeting Australia at Headingley in Leeds on June 23. Their final group-stage fixture will be against the Netherlands in Bristol on June 27.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled on June 30 and July 2. The final will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on July 5. England and Wales will host the expanded 12-team tournament as women’s cricket continues to attract larger audiences and increased commercial investment globally.
According to the International Cricket Council, women’s cricket has experienced rapid growth in global viewership and participation during recent ICC events. The Pakistan Cricket Board has also increased investment in women’s domestic competitions and player development pathways over the last several years. Pakistan’s women’s side has shown gradual improvement in T20 cricket, though consistency against higher-ranked nations remains a major challenge.
Pakistan selectors view the Ireland tri-series as a critical opportunity to finalize combinations and adapt younger players to international pressure before the World Cup begins. The squad’s balance between experienced campaigners and newcomers reflects the PCB’s longer-term strategy of rebuilding the women’s side around emerging talent.
Pakistan’s performance in England will be closely watched as the team seeks a stronger showing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup under Fatima Sana’s leadership.
