Pakistan women’s team departs for ICC World Cup in Sri Lanka
Our Correspondent
The Pakistan women’s cricket team has departed for Sri Lanka to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, carrying confidence and clarity of purpose. Head coach Mohammad Wasim and captain Fatima Sana addressed the media ahead of departure, outlining the team’s preparation and mindset.
Wasim described the recent ODI series against South Africa as a valuable learning experience. “Our focus was on readiness, not results. The series helped us assess combinations and prepare for Sri Lankan conditions, which are similar to Lahore,” he said.
Captain Fatima Sana, leading Pakistan in an ODI World Cup for the first time, emphasized intent and unity. “We’re focused on playing positive cricket. Every match will be approached with calm and concentration, starting with our opener against Bangladesh,” she stated.
The squad blends seasoned performers like Sidra Amin, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu with emerging talents such as Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Support staff, including former internationals Mohammad Wasim and Junaid Khan, have played a key role in strategic development.
Pakistan’s campaign begins on October 2, with fixtures against India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka to follow. The team aims to deliver consistent performances and inspire the next generation of female cricketers.
Pakistan will play two warm-up matches before the tournament, against Sri Lanka on September 25 and South Africa on September 28. The team’s group-stage campaign begins on October 2 against Bangladesh, followed by the high-profile encounter with India on October 5.
In the lead-up to the tournament, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the squad at Gaddafi Stadium, urging the players to play with a fearless mindset. “Fight till the last ball. Success is always the result of teamwork,” he told the team while wishing them success.
Pakistan women’s squad for World Cup
Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup is led by Fatima Sana, with Muneeba Ali Siddiqui as vice-captain. Other members include Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper), and Syeda Aroob Shah.
Pakistan World Cup 2025 fixtures Pakistan’s fixtures are as follows: Bangladesh (Oct 2), India (Oct 5), Australia (Oct 8), England (Oct 15), New Zealand (Oct 18), South Africa (Oct 21), and Sri Lanka (Oct 24).
