Pakistan Announces Squad for T20 World Cup and Ireland Tri-Series
Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the tri-series involving Ireland and West Indies.
Young all-rounder Fatima Sana will captain the national side during the mega tournament. The 24-year-old will lead Pakistan in her second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup after previously captaining the side in the 2024 edition held in the UAE.
The PCB confirmed that the tri-series will take place in Dublin from May 28 to June 4. Pakistan will play four matches during the tournament as part of preparations for the World Cup.
Officials believe the series will help teams improve combinations, test strategies, and prepare for high-pressure international competition before the start of the global event.
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 5 in England and Wales.
Several Players Receive First-Ever T20 World Cup Call-Up
Pakistan’s selection committee introduced several fresh faces in the final squad. Young players including Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen, and Tasmia Rubab will feature in their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Cricket analysts say the inclusion of emerging talent signals Pakistan’s focus on building a balanced squad for future international competitions.
Several experienced players also retained their spots in the team. Senior names such as Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Tuba Hassan remain key members of the squad.
The team management hopes the combination of youth and experience will strengthen Pakistan’s performance against top international sides.
Meanwhile, the PCB also announced six non-travelling reserve players, including Sidra Amin and Amber Kainat.
Pakistan Faces Tough Group Stage Challenge
Before the World Cup officially begins, Pakistan will play two warm-up matches. The national side will face Sri Lanka Women’s National Cricket Team on June 6 and Scotland Women’s National Cricket Team on June 9 in Derby.
Pakistan will begin its World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India Women’s National Cricket Team at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 14.
The team will then face South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team on June 17 at the same venue.
Pakistan’s third group-stage match will take place against Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team on June 20 at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.
The national side will also play defending powerhouse Australia Women’s National Cricket Team at Headingley in Leeds on June 23.
Pakistan’s final group-stage fixture will be against Netherlands Women’s National Cricket Team in Bristol on June 27.
According to tournament rules, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled for June 30 and July 2.
The final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.
The PCB also confirmed the complete support staff lineup, including mentor and head coach Wahab Riaz and batting coach Imran Farhat.
Fans now hope the new-look squad can deliver a strong performance on cricket’s biggest stage.
