Fatima Sana to lead Pakistan in ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2025

Young squad announced with six debutants as Pakistan eye strong campaign in Sri Lanka

Last updated: August 25, 2025 | 13:08

Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

All-rounder Fatima Sana to lead Pakistan cricket team at the ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2025

PCB/X

Dubai: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced a 15-member national squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with all-rounder Fatima Sana set to captain the side for the first time in a One-Day International (ODI) World Cup.

The squad features a blend of youth and experience, including 20-year-old uncapped batter Eyman Fatima, who recently impressed in her T20I debut against Ireland. Alongside her, six players including Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar and Syeda Aroob Shah are all set to make their maiden appearances at cricket’s biggest stage.

Also Read: Pakistan back youngsters for India clash in Asia Cup, says Shaheen Shah Afridi

The tournament will run from September 30 to November 2 in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures scheduled at Colombo’s R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Should Pakistan qualify, both the semi-final (October 29) and the final (November 2) will also be held in Colombo.

Fatima Sana, 23, previously led the side in this year’s ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Lahore, where Pakistan went unbeaten to book their place in the main event. “It is an honour to captain Pakistan in the World Cup, and I am confident this young squad will give their best against the world’s top teams,” she said.

Major changes

From the qualifier squad, two changes have been made. Eyman Fatima and Sadaf Shamas come in, replacing Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who now join the five-member non-travelling reserves.

The squad will also contest a three-match ODI series against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from September 16—22, serving as vital preparation ahead of the global tournament. A 14-day training camp begins on August 29, under head coach Muhammad Wasim and his support staff.

Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 Fixtures (all matches 3pm local time, Colombo):

Oct. 2 — vs Bangladesh

Oct. 5 — vs India

Oct. 8 — vs Australia

Oct. 15 — vs England

Oct. 18 — vs New Zealand

Oct. 21 — vs South Africa

Oct. 24 — vs Sri Lanka

Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper), Syeda Aroob Shah.

Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.

Ashfaq AhmedSenior Assistant Editor

Ashfaq has been storming the UAE media scene for over 27 years. As Senior Assistant Editor, his insights, analysis and deep understanding of regional dynamics have helped make sense of the unfolding news.   He’s the go-to guy for deep dives into the South Asian diaspora, blending heart, and hardcore reporting into his pieces. Whether he's unpacking Pakistani community affairs, chasing down leads on international political whirlwinds, or investigative reports on the scourge of terrorism and regional drama — Ashfaq doesn’t miss a beat.   He's earned kudos for his relentless hustle and sharp storytelling. Dependable, dynamic, and unstoppable, Ashfaq does not just report the news, he shapes it.