Pakistan women's national cricket team have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Fatima Sana set to lead the side in what will be another attempt to finally break their knockout-stage barrier in the competition.
Pakistan have participated in every edition of the Women's T20 World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 2009 but are yet to qualify for the semi-finals. Heading into the 2026 edition in England, the side will hope a blend of youth and experience can help script a historic campaign.
The squad also includes five players who are set to make their Women's T20 World Cup debuts - Eyman Fatima, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab.
Pakistan Looking to Build on Recent T20 World Cup Progress
Pakistan's Women's T20 World
Cup journey has often been defined by flashes of promise without sustained consistency.
At the 2024 edition, Pakistan once again failed to reach the semi-finals but showed signs of improvement with competitive performances against stronger teams. Captain Fatima Sana emerged as one of the standout performers, contributing with both bat and ball while growing into a leadership role on the global stage.
Pakistan's best finish in the tournament remains a group-stage campaign where they managed memorable wins but narrowly missed out on qualification due to net run rate and inconsistent batting displays.
Historically, Pakistan's bowling unit has remained their biggest strength in ICC tournaments, particularly their spin attack, while batting collapses in pressure matches have hurt their chances of progressing further.
The 2026 squad once again reflects that balance, with experienced bowlers expected to shoulder responsibility alongside a relatively evolving batting lineup.
Fatima Sana to Lead Pakistan's New-Look Squad
Fatima Sana, now firmly established as the leader of Pakistan's next generation, will captain the side after steadily developing into one of their most important all-rounders.
The 24-year-old had played a crucial role during Pakistan's 2024 campaign with her aggressive lower-order batting and disciplined pace bowling. Her leadership during recent bilateral assignments also convinced selectors to continue building the team around her.
Pakistan's top order will rely heavily on experienced names like Muneeba Ali, Ayesha Zafar and Gull Feroza.
Gull Feroza enters the tournament in strong form after scoring two centuries in the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe and will be playing in her second Women's T20 World Cup.
Middle-order duties are expected to be shared by Natalia Parvaiz, Iram Javed, Aliya Riaz and Saira Jabeen.
Pakistan's Bowling Once Again Their Biggest Weapon
Pakistan's spin-heavy bowling attack could once again become the key to their campaign.
The experienced trio of Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan will lead the spin department, while Fatima Sana, Diana Baig and debutant Tasmia Rubab strengthen the pace options.
Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal were among Pakistan's most effective bowlers during the previous T20 World Cup campaigns, consistently troubling opposition batters in middle overs.
The addition of fresh faces like Rameen Shamim and Tasmia Rubab also signals Pakistan's intention to inject more variety into their attack.
India Clash Headlines Pakistan's Group Fixtures
Pakistan's campaign begins with their biggest group-stage clash against arch-rivals India women's national cricket team on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
They will then face South Africa women's national cricket team, Bangladesh women's national cricket team, Australia women's national cricket team and Netherlands women's national cricket team in the group stage.
With Australia and India once again among the favourites, Pakistan will likely target crucial wins against Bangladesh and Netherlands while hoping to pull off at least one major upset.
Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Fatima Sana (captain), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab.
Before the World Cup begins, the same squad will participate in a tri-series involving Ireland women's national cricket team and West Indies women's national cricket team starting on May 28.
Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures
- vs India - June 14, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- vs South Africa - June 17, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- vs Bangladesh - June 20, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
- vs Australia - June 23, Headingley, Leeds
- vs Netherlands - June 27, Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup squad full list
| Player | Role (where specified) |
|---|---|
| Fatima Sana | Captain, all-rounder |
| Gull Feroza | Batter |
| Ayesha Zafar | Batter |
| Iram Javed | Batter |
| Eyman Fatima | Batter |
| Aliya Riaz | Batter |
| Natalia Parvaiz | Batter |
| Saira Jabeen | Batter |
| Muneeba Ali | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Tuba Hassan | Spinner |
| Rameen Shamim | Spinner |
| Sadia Iqbal | Spinner |
| Nashra Sandhu | Spinner |
| Diana Baig | Pace bowler |
| Tasmia Rubab | Pace bowler |
