Lahore: The Women’s National Selection Committee has unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled from September 30 to November 2. This squad will also compete in a three-match ODI series against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from September 16 to 22.
Eyman Fatima, an uncapped right-handed batter who recently debuted in T20I against Ireland, joins the ODI squad. Fatima Sana, who played in the previous World Cup, will captain the team for the first time in this major tournament. Sana, 23, previously led the team to a flawless record in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier in Lahore, securing a spot in this year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be held at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. If the team advances, the semi-final on October 29 and the final on November 2 will also take place in Colombo.
Six players, including Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, and Sadaf Shamas, will make their first appearance in an ODI World Cup. Aroob Shah, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Eyman Fatima, who played in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in 2023, are also in the squad.
Changes from the Qualifier squad include the addition of Eyman Fatima and Sadaf Shamas, replacing Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi. The latter two, along with three others, are named as non-traveling reserves.
The squad and reserves will undergo a 14-day training camp starting August 29, under head coach Muhammad Wasim, featuring practice sessions and 50-over matches. Details of the camp will be disclosed later.
The South African women’s team is expected to arrive in Lahore on September 12 for the ODI series.
The full squad includes captain Fatima Sana, vice-captain Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, and key players like Aliya Riaz and Diana Baig. Reserves and support personnel are also named, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the upcoming challenges.
The Pakistan team’s World Cup fixtures in Colombo begin on October 2 against Bangladesh, followed by high-stakes matches against cricketing powerhouses such as India, Australia, and England.