The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squad for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s T20 Asia Cup. The tournament, set to take place in Sri Lanka, will be held from July 19 to July 28, 2024.
Nida Dar has been retained as the captain of the Pakistan Women’s team, reflecting the management’s confidence in her leadership skills and experience. This announcement comes as the team prepares to face tough competition in the highly anticipated regional tournament.
The squad sees the return of Iram Javed, Umima Sohail, and Syeda Aroob Shah, who have all made significant contributions to the team in the past. Their inclusion is expected to bolster the team’s performance, bringing a mix of experience and fresh energy to the squad.
One of the most notable additions to the team is Tasmia Rabab, who has joined the national side for the first time. Tasmia made an impression with her performances for Pakistan A against West Indies A and Thailand in November 2023. Her inclusion marks a significant step in her career, and she is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team.
However, several players who were part of the Pakistan squad during the England tour did not make it to the team this time. Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Pervez, Ramin Shamim, Sadaf Shams, Umm Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar have been excluded from the squad for the Asia Cup. Their absence will be felt, but the team management is confident in the current lineup’s ability to perform.
The retained players include Alia Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gul Feroza, Muniba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashera Sindhu, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tuba Hasan. This group of players has shown consistency and skill in past matches, making them valuable assets to the team.
Iram Javed’s return to the squad is particularly noteworthy as she played her last T20 International (T20I) in October 2023. Umima Sohail’s last appearance was against New Zealand in December 2023, and Syeda Aroob Shah was last in action in September 2023. Their comeback indicates the selectors’ belief in their potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.
The training camp for the Pakistan Women’s team will commence on July 5 in Karachi and will continue until the team’s departure to Sri Lanka on July 16. The camp aims to fine-tune the players’ skills and strategies, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competition.
The ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will feature some exciting matches, with Pakistan set to face arch-rivals India on the opening day of the tournament, July 19. This highly anticipated clash is expected to draw significant attention and set the tone for the rest of the competition. Following the match against India, Pakistan will take on Nepal on July 21 and the United Arab Emirates on July 23.
The tournament is crucial for the Pakistan Women’s team as it provides an opportunity to showcase their talent on a regional stage and compete against some of the best teams in Asia. The management and players are determined to put up a strong performance and aim for the title.
The announcement of the Pakistan Women’s team for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup has generated excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. The upcoming training camp and the subsequent matches in Sri Lanka will be crucial in determining their success, and fans are eagerly awaiting the team’s performance in this prestigious event.
