Pakistan names Fatima Sana-led 15-player squad for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup

Pakistan has named a 15-member squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, with Fatima Sana appointed captain as the team prepares for the tournament’s June 12 start. Pakistan’s campaign begins on June 14 against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, where they are set to face a group stage that also includes Australia, South Africa, and two qualifiers, the Netherlands and Bangladesh.

The selectors also confirmed Pakistan will use a pre-World Cup tri-series as part of their preparation. The competition is scheduled to take place in Dublin from May 28 to June 4, with West Indies and Ireland the other participating teams. Pakistan will then play warm-up matches against Sri Lanka on June 6 and Scotland on June 9 before the main event.

Sana will lead a group featuring experienced players such as Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar, alongside a set of newcomers who are in line to make their maiden World Cup appearances. Five players in the squad are expected to get their first opportunity at a Women’s T20 World Cup: Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab. Ahead of the tournament, Sana recently reached a 15-ball half-century against...