Pakistan Women Name Iram Javed in T20 World Cup Squad, Led by Fatima Sana
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Ireland and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with Fatima Sana continuing as captain for a second consecutive edition of the global event.
The squad blends experience with a wave of new talent. Veteran batter Iram Javed, aged 34, keeps her spot despite a difficult recent run. Meanwhile, six players — Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab — will be making their maiden appearances at a T20 World Cup.
Saira Jabeen, a left-arm spinner who has made an impact in domestic cricket, and Tasmia Rubab, a promising all-rounder, are among the fresh faces. The inclusion of Iram Javed signals the selectors’ faith in her experience and ability to anchor the batting lineup under pressure.
Contents
Pakistan’s Recent ICC Struggles
Pakistan will head into the World Cup aiming to reverse a pattern of underwhelming performances at recent ICC events. At the last T20 World Cup in 2024, the team exited at the group stage with just one win from four matches. In 2022, they finished bottom of the table with only one victory in seven outings.
In last year’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan once again propped up the standings, finishing winless — though three of their matches were washed out, denying them a chance to secure points. The pattern has raised questions about the team’s ability to handle tournament pressure, but the new additions could inject fresh energy into the squad.
Tri-Series in Ireland: A Key Tune-Up
Before the World Cup, Pakistan will travel to Ireland for a tri-series that also features the West Indies. The series will run from May 28 to June 4 in Dublin, serving as a crucial preparation block. The trip will allow the squad to acclimatize to European conditions and test combinations ahead of the main event.
The West Indies, a former T20 World Cup champion, will provide a stern challenge. Pakistan’s performances in Dublin will be closely watched for signs of improvement in the batting unit and consistency in the bowling attack.
World Cup Fixtures and Warm-Ups
Pakistan’s opening match of the T20 World Cup is set for June 14 against India in Birmingham — a fixture that always carries high stakes and intense rivalry. They will then face South Africa, the runners-up from the 2024 edition, followed by Bangladesh, Australia and the Netherlands in the group stage.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Pakistan will play two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and Scotland. These games will offer additional match practice and allow the team management to fine-tune strategies.
Captain Fatima Sana in Red-Hot Form
Pakistan come into the World Cup on the back of a dominant 3-0 T20I series win over Zimbabwe at home. Fatima Sana was the standout performer, smashing the fastest half-century in women’s T20I cricket off just 15 balls. Her form and leadership will be critical if Pakistan are to break their cycle of early exits.
The PCB has also named a set of reserves: Amber Kainat, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Umm-e-Hani. These players are expected to travel with the squad and provide cover in case of injuries or loss of form.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and debutants, this World Cup campaign represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Pakistan to rewrite their recent tournament story.
Pakistan Squad for Ireland Tri-Series and T20 World Cup
- Fatima Sana (captain)
- Aliya Riaz
- Ayesha Zafar
- Diana Baig
- Eyman Fatima
- Gull Feroza
- Iram Javed
- Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper)
- Nashra Sundhu
- Natalia Pervaiz
- Rameen Shamim
- Sadia Iqbal
- Saira Jabeen
- Tasmia Rubab
- Tuba Hassan
Reserves
- Amber Kainat
- Momina Riasat
- Sadaf Shamas
- Sidra Amin
- Syeda Aroob Shah
- Umm-e-Hani
