Pakistan Names Squad for Ireland T20 Tour

The Pakistan women’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Ireland has been finalized. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member team on Tuesday, with Fatima Sana leading the side. This announcement follows a selection process based on performance during the recent women’s skills camp, which featured 24 shortlisted players.

Fatima Sana to Lead the Side

Fatima Sana, a fast-bowling all-rounder, has been appointed as the captain for the Ireland tour. She will lead the squad in all three T20 Internationals scheduled in Dublin. The series will be held from August 6 to 10 and serves as an important opportunity for Pakistan to prepare ahead of future international commitments.

Fatima, who has shown consistent performance with both bat and ball, previously captained the side in regional and age-level tournaments. Her elevation to the leadership role reflects PCB’s trust in her strategic mindset and experience in international cricket.

Strong Mix of Experience and Emerging Talent

The 15-player squad features a balance of experienced cricketers and rising stars. Key names include:

Alia Riaz, known for her power-hitting in the middle order.
Muneeba Ali, a dependable opener with a century to her name.
Sidra Amin, who has shown strong form in recent series.
Sadia Iqbal, a left-arm spinner known for her economical spells.

Returning players like Diana Baig, Najiha Alvi, and Ramin Shamim bring both versatility and depth to the side. Tuba Hassan, a young leg-spinner, continues her rise in international cricket and will look to make a mark in Irish conditions.

New Faces in the Spotlight

The selection of Iman Fatima and Nashera Sindhu underlines the selectors’ intent to build a stronger bench. Both players impressed during the skills camp with their consistency and discipline. This tour offers them a platform to showcase their potential on an international stage.

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Squad List for Ireland T20 Series

Here is the full list of the 15-member squad:

Fatima Sana (captain)
Alia Riaz
Diana Baig
Muneeba Ali
Najiha Alvi
Nashera Sindhu
Natalia Parvaiz
Ramin Shamim
Sadaf Shams
Sadia Iqbal
Sidra Amin
Tuba Hassan
Waheeda Akhtar
Iman Fatima
Diana Feroze

The squad was finalized by the women’s national selection committee based on performances during the camp and players’ current fitness levels.

Training Camp in Karachi

Before departing for Ireland, the national squad will undergo a pre-series training camp in Karachi. The camp will focus on match fitness, fielding drills, and strategy planning tailored to the conditions expected in Dublin. The coaching staff will also work closely with new players to help them adapt to team dynamics and playing standards.

Ireland Series: A Key Test Before Bigger Challenges

This T20 series is more than just a bilateral contest. It forms a crucial part of Pakistan’s preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers and other global events. Performing well in Irish conditions — which differ significantly from subcontinental pitches — will help players adapt to diverse challenges.

Ireland has emerged as a competitive opponent in women’s cricket. Playing them in their home conditions presents an opportunity for Pakistan to test different combinations and strategies.

Focus on Fielding and Spin Attack

With spin expected to play a key role, the selectors have packed the squad with multiple spin options including Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan, and Ramin Shamim. These bowlers have the ability to control the middle overs and break partnerships, which could be vital in low-scoring Irish venues.

Moreover, the emphasis during the camp will be on improving fielding standards — an area where Pakistan has shown flashes of brilliance but often lacks consistency. Catching, direct hits, and outfield mobility will be key focus areas.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming Ireland tour is seen as an opportunity to rebuild and re-strategize. With a young captain and a group of determined players, Pakistan women’s cricket aims to sharpen its edge and develop winning momentum.

All eyes will now turn to Karachi, where the squad begins final preparations before flying out to Dublin in early August.