Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 14-member squad for the tournament on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
What happened?
The PCB named Muneeba as captain for the 10-team competition, which will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. Ayesha Zafar has been named vice-captain. Pakistan will be making their debut in the tournament, which was launched in 2025.
Key details
- The squad is: Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (captain, wicketkeeper), Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain), Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.
- Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will spearhead the bowling attack, supported by fellow spinners Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani, while Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar are the frontline pace options.
- Regular captain Fatima Sana will miss the tournament because of her maiden Women’s Big Bash League season in Australia.
- Twelve players have retained their places from the team’s previous assignment, while Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have earned recalls.
- Gull Feroza, recently named the best wicketkeeper-batter at the National Women’s T20 Tournament, is also included.
- Pakistan, who recently won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan, are placed in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.
- The tournament features 30 matches, starting with a single round-robin league stage; the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, with the final on November 25.
- The squad will assemble in Lahore on November 6 and undergo a three-day training camp from November 7 to 9 before travelling to the UAE.
What it means for people in Pakistan
For followers of the women’s game, the tournament is a genuine development opportunity: a debut appearance against a mix of established and emerging sides, led by an experienced captain while the regular skipper gains WBBL experience. Strong performances in Ajman, especially from the young batters and the spin attack, will shape selection for bigger assignments ahead.
Source: NDTV Sports
