Pakistan Announces Squad for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2024 in Lahore

Pakistan has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Lahore from April 9 to April 19. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the announcement in a press release on Wednesday.

This crucial six-team tournament will feature Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and the West Indies. The competition will adopt a round-robin format, with matches hosted at Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground in Lahore. The top two teams will secure their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which is set to be hosted in India later this year.

However, due to India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan, a hybrid venue arrangement has been put in place. As a result, Pakistan will compete at a neutral location for its fixtures.

This tournament marks Pakistan’s return to international women’s cricket after their last appearance in October 2023, when they faced New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup, suffering a 54-run defeat in their final group-stage match.

Squad Selection and Key Players

According to the PCB, the team was assembled after evaluating the players’ fitness and performance during the second phase of a preparation camp. Players engaged in practice sessions and warm-up matches to prove their readiness for selection.

Fatima Sana has been retained as captain, having previously led Pakistan in six T20 Internationals and two One Day Internationals (ODIs). Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will serve as vice-captain.

In a positive development, Shawaal Zulfiqar has returned to the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury she sustained during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in December 2023. Notably, the Pakistan women’s team secured a historic victory against New Zealand on that tour.

Pakistan’s Match Schedule

Pakistan will commence their qualifying campaign against Ireland on April 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in a day fixture. Their second encounter will be against Scotland on April 11 at LCCA Ground.

On April 14, the team will face the West Indies in a high-stakes day-night match at Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan will then take on Thailand in another day-night game on April 17, before concluding their group-stage run against Bangladesh on April 19 in a daytime contest at LCCA Ground.

Match timings have been set, with day matches beginning at 9:30 AM and day-night fixtures kicking off at 2:00 PM.

Disparity in Domestic Players’ Compensation

In a separate development, concerns have emerged over the PCB’s recently announced contracts for domestic women’s cricketers. Reports indicate that the base salary for these players falls below the national minimum wage for unskilled laborers, which currently stands at Rs37,000 per month.

Despite awarding contracts to 90 players across different categories—18 U-19 players, 62 emerging players, and 10 capped players—there has been no adjustment in match fees, despite rising inflation. However, emerging and U-19 players will receive additional earnings in the form of match fees, daily allowances, and prize money shares.

Pakistan’s Squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2024

Main Squad:

• Fatima Sana (Captain)
• Muneeba Ali (Vice-Captain)
• Aliya Riaz
• Diana Baig
• Gull Feroza
• Najiha Alvi (Wicketkeeper)
• Nashra Sundhu
• Natalia Parvaiz
• Omaima Sohail
• Rameen Shamim
• Sadia Iqbal
• Shawaal Zulfiqar
• Sidra Amin
• Sidra Nawaz (Wicketkeeper)
• Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserves:

• Ghulam Fatima
• Waheeda Akhtar
• Umm-e-Hani

Support Staff:

• Hina Munawar (Manager)
• Muhammad Waseem (Head Coach)
• Junaid Khan (Assistant Coach – Bowling)
• Abdul Rehman (Assistant Coach – Spin Bowling)
• Abdul Saad (Assistant Coach – Fielding)
• Waleed Ahmed (Analyst)
• Muhammad Rafi Ullah (Media Manager)
• Muhammad Ramzan (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
• Tehreem Sumbal (Physiotherapist)
• Kiran Shahzadi (Masseuse)

Complete Schedule for Pakistan’s Matches

• April 9 – Pakistan vs Ireland (Gaddafi Stadium, Day)
• April 11 – Pakistan vs Scotland (LCCA Ground, Day)
• April 14 – Pakistan vs West Indies (Gaddafi Stadium, Day/Night)
• April 17 – Pakistan vs Thailand (Gaddafi Stadium, Day/Night)
• April 19 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh (LCCA Ground, Day)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the format of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2024?
The tournament follows a single-league round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. The top two teams will qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

2. Where will the matches be played?
All matches will take place in Lahore, Pakistan, at Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground.

3. Who is leading Pakistan’s women’s cricket team in the qualifiers?
Fatima Sana has been appointed as captain, while Muneeba Ali will serve as vice-captain.

4. Why is Pakistan playing at a neutral venue?
Due to India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, a neutral venue arrangement has been put in place for the qualifiers.

5. What are the match timings for Pakistan’s fixtures?
Day matches will start at 9:30 AM, while day-night matches will commence at 2:00 PM.

With a well-balanced squad and high expectations, Pakistan’s women’s team is eager to perform at their best in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey!