The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a significant step as it announced a 15-member squad for the forthcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held next year. A major highlight of the announcement is the appointment of 22-year-old Fatima Sana as the new captain of the T20I side, replacing the seasoned Nida Dar.
Nida Dar’s removal from the captaincy appears to be a decision rooted in her track record in managing the team. The 37-year-old all-rounder has led Pakistan in 24 T20I matches, of which the team emerged victorious in only nine, experiencing defeat in fifteen. Unfortunately for Nida, her leadership could not produce the desired results in the shortest format, prompting the decision to pass the mantle to a younger, perhaps more dynamic, leader.
The PCB’s formal press release outlined that the selection committee, comprised of Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima, reached the decision to appoint Fatima Sana unanimously. The committee appears to believe that a change in leadership is crucial to rejuvenate the squad’s efforts and performance in the high-stakes tournament ahead.
Notably, Fatima Sana steps into this prominent role with limited experience in captaincy at the international level. She has previously led the Pakistani side twice in the One Day International (ODI) format, garnering one win and facing one loss. The PCB and selectors have nonetheless expressed their confidence in her ability to inspire and lead the team effectively in T20I cricket.
The squad composition for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup remains largely consistent with the group of players who represented Pakistan in the recent ACC Women’s Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka, reflecting a blend of both experienced and emerging cricketers. One notable squad change includes the inclusion of batter Sadaf Shamas, who replaces wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi. Despite not making the main squad, Najiha Alvi has been named as a travelling reserve, providing backup in case of any last-minute injuries or unexpected situations that may necessitate her inclusion.
Here is the detailed squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:
1. **Fatima Sana (Captain)** – A young pace bowler who has shown great promise both with the ball and in leadership.
2. **Aliya Riaz** – An all-rounder known for her aggressive batting and useful contributions with the ball.
3. **Diana Baig** – A consistent bowler, Diana’s pace and accuracy are vital assets for the team.
4. **Gull Feroza** – A promising talent who stands as a strong option in the batting lineup.
5. **Iram Javed** – An experienced campaigner, Iram brings valuable experience to the middle order.
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6. **Muneeba Ali (Wicketkeeper)** – A reliable wicketkeeper-batter, providing stability behind the stumps.
7. **Nashra Sandhu** – A dependable left-arm spinner who can control the game’s pace.
8. **Nida Dar** – Despite her removal from captaincy, her all-round capabilities remain crucial to the team’s success.
9. **Omaima Sohail** – A skilled batter and effective off-spin bowler.
10. **Sadaf Shamas** – The latest inclusion, known for her batting prowess.
11. **Sadia Iqbal (Subject to Fitness)** – A left-arm bowler whose participation depends on her fitness status.
12. **Sidra Amin** – A top-order batter who has shown consistency in her performances.
13. **Syeda Aroob Shah** – A young leg-spinner with the potential to surprise opponents.
14. **Tasmia Rubab** – Another emerging talent making her mark in the squad.
15. **Tuba Hassan** – Her inclusion is indicative of the selectors’ trust in her potential and performance.
**Travelling Reserve**:
– **Najiha Alvi (Wicketkeeper)**
**Non-Travelling Reserves**:
– **Rameen Shamim** and **Umm-e-Hani**
The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is a significant event on the cricket calendar, and the Pakistan squad, under new leadership, is gearing up for a strong campaign. The focus now shifts to preparation and team cohesion as they aim to make a mark on the global stage. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Fatima Sana and her team perform, particularly given the bold step to revamp the captaincy ahead of such a prestigious tournament.
