Muneeba to lead new-look Pakistan T20I squad against SL in Sana’s absence

Following a disappointing campaign on the global stage, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba to lead new-look Pakistan T20I squad against SL in Sana’s absence during their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revamped squad with several notable exclusions and fresh inclusions as they transition into a new cycle of international women’s cricket.

Muneeba Ali Steps into the Leadership Role

Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali is set to take charge of the Pakistan national women’s team for the T20I leg of their tour of Sri Lanka. She steps in for the regular captain, Fatima Sana, who has been granted permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to skip the T20I series. Sana will be participating in the Women’s Hundred in England, making her the first Pakistani female cricketer to play in the tournament.

Sana will still lead the side during the preceding three-match One Day International (ODI) series before departing for her historic stint in the Hundred. Muneeba Ali is not entirely new to leadership, having captained the national side once before in a T20I against Australia in 2024. This upcoming series, however, represents her first extended run as captain, offering her a significant opportunity to guide a transitional Pakistan side.

Fallout from a Disappointing T20 World Cup

The squad announcement comes on the heels of a highly disappointing T20 World Cup campaign for Pakistan. The team suffered a difficult tournament, losing four of their five matches. Their sole victory came in a dead-rubber fixture against the Netherlands, which took place after both teams had already been mathematically eliminated from contention. This poor showing prompted the selection committee to make sweeping changes to the roster, signaling a clear intent to rebuild for the future.

Among the most notable omissions from the newly announced squad are veteran players Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed. Both batters had faced intense scrutiny regarding their performances and selection leading up to and during the World Cup, and they have now been dropped from the T20I setup. Additionally, experienced fast bowler Diana Baig, who played a limited role during the World Cup, has been excluded from both the ODI and T20I squads for the Sri Lankan tour.

Fresh Faces and Recalls in the T20I Squad

In response to these high-profile omissions, the PCB selectors have called up eight players for the tour, emphasizing youth and domestic performance. Three of these call-ups are uncapped in T20I cricket. Nineteen-year-old batters Eman Naseer and Maham Anees have earned their maiden T20I call-ups, alongside promising spin bowler Momina Riasat. Their inclusion highlights a shift in policy toward developing younger talent who can form the core of the team in the years to come.

Alongside these fresh faces, the selectors have handed recalls to several players who have previously featured in the national setup. Wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi, spinner Umm-e-Hani, and bowler Waheeda Akhtar have all been brought back into the squad, providing Muneeba Ali with a blend of emerging talent and international experience as she leads this new-look side.

Tour Schedule and Venues

The bilateral tour of Sri Lanka will consist of six limited-overs matches, all of which will be hosted in Hambantota. The tour kicks off with a three-match ODI series, scheduled to run from July 23 to July 28. Following the conclusion of the 50-over matches, the focus will shift to the T20I series, which will take place from July 31 to August 4. This compact schedule will serve as a crucial testing ground for both squads as they look to establish stability under their respective leaders.

Official Pakistan Women’s Squads

Pakistan ODI Squad

The ODI squad will be captained by Fatima Sana, with several key players retained to maintain stability in the 50-over format before Sana’s departure.

• Fatima Sana (capt)
• Ayesha Zafar
• Gull Feroza
• Maham Anees
• Momina Riasat
• Muneeba Ali (wk)
• Najiha Alvi
• Nashra Sundhu
• Sadaf Shamas
• Saira Jabeen
• Sidra Amin
• Syeda Aroob Shah
• Tasmia Rubab
• Umm-e-Hani
• Waheeda Akhter

Pakistan T20I Squad

The T20I squad features the new-look composition led by Muneeba Ali, with several young prospects and recalled players looking to make an impact.

• Muneeba Ali (capt & wk)
• Ayesha Zafar
• Eman Naseer
• Eyman Fatima
• Humna Bilal
• Maham Anees
• Momina Riasat
• Najiha Alvi
• Nashra Sundhu
• Saira Jabeen
• Shawaal Zulfiqar
• Tasmia Rubab
• Tuba Hassan
• Umm-e-Hani
• Waheeda Akhtar