Pakistan announce 15-member squad for ICC Women's World Cup 2022

Pakistan national women’s selection committee has announced the 15-member squad that will be taking part in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup scheduled to take place in the month of March. There were a lot of surprises waiting as the selectors have named Bismah Maroof as the captain of the side and she will be returning to international cricket after almost two years. In December 2020, Bismah took a break from the game for the birth of her first child and the national duties are now back for her.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Nida Dar has been named as the vice-captain of the side while the likes of Nahida Khan and Ghulam Fatima have been recalled as well. Kainat Imtiaz and Sadia Iqbal are unlucky to miss out after suffering injuries while three travelling reserves have also been named along with the squad.

The Pakistan squad will move into a 10-day pre-departure camp in Karachi from 27 January with their travel to New Zealand scheduled on 8 February.

We considered the conditions and challenges, says Asmavia Iqbal

Chief of women’s national selection committee Asmavia Iqbal noted that the conditions in New Zealand and the current form were the two key factors while picking the team and was delighted to have Bismah back as well. The 30-year-old, Bismah also acknowledged the fact that she was given the captaincy role for the World Cup and hinted how excited she is to be back on the field.

“We considered the conditions and challenges our team will encounter in New Zealand along with the current form of players and the team’s balance while putting together this squad.” Asmavia Iqbal was quoted as saying by PCB. “It is a great honour for me to lead my country into another World Cup. I am thrilled to be back in action.” Bismah Maroof was also quoted as saying by PCB.

Pakistan will start their campaign in the Women’s World Cup 2022 against arch-rivals India on the 6th of March at Bay Oval, Tauranga. It will be one of the most anticipated games and fans will be happy to see the nations battle it out on the field.

Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022

Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Nida Dar (vice-captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz

Travelling reserves: Iram Javed, Najiha Alvi and Tuba Hassan

Player support personnel: Aisha Jalil (team manager), David Hemp (head coach), Arshad Khan (assistant coach), Kamran Hussain (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (strength and conditioning coach), Zubair Ahmad (analyst), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager) and Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist)