Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 14-member squad on Tuesday. The tournament will take place in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. Batter Ayesha Zafar has been named vice-captain. Twelve players from Pakistan’s previous squad have retained their places. Additionally, Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have returned to the squad. However, regular captain Fatima Sana will miss the tournament while preparing for her first Women’s Big Bash League season in Australia. As a result, Muneeba will lead Pakistan during the competition.
Pakistan’s selection follows the team’s bronze-medal finish at the Asian Games in Japan. Wicketkeeper-batter Gull Feroza has also earned a place after being named the best wicketkeeper-batter at the National Women’s T20 Tournament. The batting group includes Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Muneeba and Gull will provide wicketkeeping options for the team. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will lead Pakistan’s spin attack. Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani are also included as spin options. Fast bowlers Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar complete the pace options.
Muneeba to lead Pakistan in Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy as the team enters a 30-match event featuring 10 sides. Organisers have divided the teams into two groups of five. Pakistan are in Group B with Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Group A contains Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and hosts United Arab Emirates. The tournament begins with a single-league round-robin stage. Following the group-stage matches, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage. Each team reaching that round will play three matches. The two highest-placed teams will advance to the final on November 25.
Pakistan’s players will assemble in Lahore on November 6. They will attend a training camp on November 7, 8 and 9 before travelling to the UAE. The announced squad features Muneeba Ali Siddiqui as captain and wicketkeeper, with Ayesha Zafar as vice-captain. The remaining players are Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar. The competition will give Pakistan’s emerging side a chance to test itself against teams from several cricketing nations. Fans will follow the squad’s progress as the tournament unfolds in the UAE. Fixtures will test Pakistan’s squad depth.
The PCB has introduced a new T20 tournament to promote women’s cricket.
