Fatima Sana Named Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Captain for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Fatima Sana Named Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Captain for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: In a major development for Pakistan women’s cricket, Fatima Sana has been appointed as the captain of the national team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20. The decision was made unanimously by the women’s national selection committee.
Fatima, a 22-year-old all-rounder, brings a wealth of experience despite her young age, having already played in 41 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 40 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for Pakistan. She has also shown her leadership capabilities by captaining Pakistan’s emerging and domestic sides, and most notably, she led the national team to a thrilling Super Over victory against New Zealand in an ODI at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in December 2023.
Fatima takes over the captaincy from the experienced Nida Dar, who had been leading Pakistan in all formats since taking over from Bismah Maroof. Nida, who has been a stalwart for Pakistan with 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is under her belt, will continue to play a crucial role in the team. Pakistan has been placed in a challenging Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the revised fixtures for the tournament soon.
The selection committee has largely retained the squad that participated in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month, making just one change. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas has been recalled to the squad, replacing wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will still travel with the team as a reserve player. Sadaf was also a part of the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa.
In addition to the 10 players retained from the 2023 World Cup squad—Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tuba Hassan—uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab has earned her spot in the final 15. However, the inclusion of left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal is contingent on her passing a fitness test.
Here is the full squad for Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:
Pakistan Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:
- Fatima Sana (Captain)
- Aliya Riaz
- Diana Baig
- Gull Feroza
- Iram Javed
- Muneeba Ali (Wicket-keeper)
- Nashra Sundhu
- Nida Dar
- Omaima Sohail
- Sadaf Shamas
- Sadia Iqbal (Subject to Fitness)
- Sidra Amin
- Syeda Aroob Shah
- Tasmia Rubab
- Tuba Hassan
Traveling Reserve:
- Najiha Alvi (Wicket-keeper)
Non-Traveling Reserves:
- Rameen Shamim
- Umm-e-Hani
With Fatima Sana at the helm, Pakistan will be looking to make a significant impact in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 and challenge some of the top teams in women’s cricket. The blend of experience and youth in the squad is expected to provide a strong foundation for their campaign in the UAE.
