Karachi, The Pakistan National Women’s Selection Committee, led by Saleem Jaffar, has announced the comeback of five women cricketers to the white-ball squads for the upcoming series against the West Indies women’s team, set to be held in Karachi.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the series, featuring three One Day Internationals (ODIs) part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), will take place from April 18 to May 3 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The selection marks a significant moment for players such as wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz and others who have been out of international play for various periods.
The returning players for the T20I squad include Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tuba Hassan, each of whom last represented Pakistan in various capacities and formats over the past years. The inclusion of these players is based on their performances in domestic tournaments and the skills they demonstrated in the camp, as noted by Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar.
The series against West Indies is critical for Pakistan as the ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship, with the team aiming to secure maximum points to enhance their chances for direct qualification for next year’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. The matches have also been scheduled to accommodate local fans and avoid clashes with the Pakistan vs New Zealand Men’s T20I series, with rescheduled timings for women’s matches.
The ODI squad will assemble in Karachi on April 13 for training sessions ahead of the series, with the West Indies women’s cricket team arriving in Karachi on April 14. The series promises not just competitive cricket but also opportunities for players to stake their claims for the upcoming England tour.
The PCB has confirmed that the series will be broadcast live and streamed, making it accessible to a wide audience. This series not only highlights the growing interest in women’s cricket but also showcases Pakistan’s commitment to promoting the sport at an international level.