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Pakistan have unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, set to be played from April 9 to 19 in Lahore.
Absence of veteran all-rounder Nida Dar
The tournament will determine the final two teams that will qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India later this year. However, the most notable omission from the squad is veteran all-rounder Nida Dar, who was expected to be part of the squad after being included in the 19-player training camp. The selection committee, after carefully assessing player fitness and form during the camp, decided against including Dar in the final squad, raising eyebrows among cricket analysts and fans alike. The absence of Nida, a senior all-rounder with vast international experience, will undoubtedly be a talking point in the lead-up to the tournament. However, the selection committee has placed faith in a younger squad, banking on their recent performances and fitness levels to deliver results on home soil.
Fatima Sana continues as captain
Fast-bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana has been entrusted with leading the Pakistan team once again. The 22-year-old, who captained Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, will now take charge in the 50-over format. Muneeba Ali has been named as vice-captain, adding stability to the leadership group. Shawal Zulfiqar, who missed Pakistan’s recent tour of New Zealand due to a shoulder injury, has made a comeback to the national team after proving her fitness.
The squad includes a balanced mix of youth and experience, with the presence of key players such as Sidra Amin, Diana Baig, Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu and Syeda Aroob Shah. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Sidra Nawaz and Najiba Alvi while Natalia Pervaiz and Ramin Shamim add depth to the all-round department.
Also READ: Deandra Dottin ruled out as West Indies announces squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025
Pakistan to host the six-team tournament in Lahore
Pakistan will have the advantage of playing on home soil, as Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground have been chosen as the venues for all 15 matches of the tournament. The six participating teams include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies, with each team playing the other once in a round-robin format. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will secure direct qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Ireland on April 9 at the Gaddafi Stadium, hoping for a strong start in their quest to secure a World Cup berth. The tournament will be crucial for the host nation, as they aim to make a statement on home turf.
Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025
Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gul Feroza, Najiba Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, Ramin Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Syeda Aroob Shah
