Pakistan have unveiled squads for their upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali set to captain the T20I side while regular skipper Fatima Sana continues to lead the team in the ODI series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the two 15-member squads on Saturday ahead of the tour, which runs from July 23 to August 4. The tour will feature three ODIs followed by a three-match T20I series, all to be played in Hambantota.
Muneeba Ali takes charge in Fatima Sana’s absence
The most notable development in Pakistan’s announcement is Muneeba’s appointment as captain for the T20I leg of the tour. Regular captain Fatima will not be available for the shortest format as she is set to participate in the upcoming edition of The Hundred in England.
Fatima’s involvement in the prestigious franchise tournament marks another milestone in her career. The 24-year-old became the first Pakistan women’s cricketer to earn a contract in The Hundred after being picked by Phoenix through the wildcard draft during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. While her absence is a significant change for Pakistan’s T20I plans, the selectors have placed their trust in Muneeba’s experience to guide the side.
However, Fatima will remain at the helm for the ODI series as Pakistan aim to build on their recent success in the 50-over format.
Fresh faces headline major squad overhaul
Pakistan have opted for a fresh approach in the T20I squad, making several changes following their campaign at this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim and Sadia Iqbal have all been left out. Their places have gone to Humna Bilal, Najiha Alvi, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar, along with three uncapped players—Eman Naseer, Maham Anees and Momina Riasat—who will be eager to make an impression if handed their international debuts.
The ODI squad has also undergone changes despite Pakistan’s dominant 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe earlier this year. Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Natalia Pervaiz and Rameen Shamim have been omitted, with Saira Jabeen and Maham Anees receiving maiden ODI call-ups alongside Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.
The selectors appear focused on introducing young talent while maintaining a balance of experienced campaigners as Pakistan prepare for a busy international calendar.
Sri Lanka tour begins on July 23
Pakistan’s tour will begin with the opening ODI on July 23 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. The remaining ODIs will be played on July 25 and July 28 at the same venue. The teams will then contest a three-match T20I series on July 31, August 2 and August 4, with all fixtures also scheduled in Hambantota.
Pakistan are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on July 20 before holding training sessions on July 21 and 22 to fine-tune their preparations. The tour presents an important opportunity for Pakistan to test new combinations, integrate emerging players into the national setup and continue building momentum under two different captains across the two white-ball formats. With several youngsters earning opportunities and experienced names leading the way, the series is expected to provide valuable insights into the team’s depth ahead of future international assignments.
Pakistan squads for Sri Lanka tour
ODI: Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhter
T20I: Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar
Also WATCH: India give emotional farewell to Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont after historic Lord’s Test
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
