Fatima Sana to lead Pak in ICC WC Qualifiers

Express Tribune

28-03-2025

Pakistan women's cricket team must put up an excellent show in WC qualifiers to improve their graph. PHOTO: AFP
The PCB's Women's National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place from 9 to 19 April at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground in Lahore. The squad was selected after the selection committee evaluated players' fitness and form in the ongoing second phase of preparation camp, where the players took part in warm-up matches and practice sessions.
Fatima Sana, who has led Pakistan in six T20Is and two ODIs, will continue to lead the women's cricket team in the 50-over event, while Shawaal Zulfiqar makes a comeback to the national side after suffering from a shoulder injury during the tour of New Zealand in December 2023.
The six-team ICC event, which includes Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand and West Indies alongside hosts Pakistan, will feature a single-league round-robin format. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground will host 15 matches of the event, with Pakistan playing Ireland in the opening match of the competition at the Gaddafi Stadium.
On 11 April, Pakistan will play Scotland at the LCCA ground in a day game, while the hosts will take on West Indies in a day-night fixture on 14 April at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan will face Thailand in their fourth fixture of the event scheduled on 17 April in a day-night fixture at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on 19 April at the LCCA ground, which will be a day match.
Squad:
Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah
Peshawar's PSL exhibition match in doubt
The upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators is now uncertain after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raised concerns about the condition of Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar, sources said on Wednesday.
The match is scheduled for April 8, 2025, and was planned as part of PCB's efforts to connect with local fans and build excitement before the start of PSL Season 10. However, after a recent inspection, the board's team found several issues at the venue.
According to details, the PCB team visited Arbab Niaz Stadium and carefully checked the outfield, pitch, dressing rooms, and media areas. Sources said the team found the pitch and outfield not up to the required standard. They also reported that the dressing rooms lacked basic facilities, and the media and commentary boxes were poorly equipped.
The match was expected to offer fans in Peshawar a chance to watch two of the league's top teams, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, face off in a thrilling encounter. It was also part of the board's plan to promote cricket in different parts of the country.
Peshawar Zalmi's owner, Javed Afridi, has long supported the idea of hosting PSL matches in Peshawar. He previously requested PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to consider Arbab Niaz Stadium as a possible venue for the league's next season.
His efforts, along with PCB's initiatives, led to the announcement of this exhibition match, which was expected to create a festive atmosphere among local fans.
It is worth mentioning that the 10th edition of the HBL PSL will begin on April 11, 2025. The opening match will feature defending champions Islamabad United against two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
This year's tournament will include six teams and a total of 34 matches, which will be played from April 11 to May 18. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including both Eliminators and the grand final.