Pakistan A Team Announced For Women’s Asia Cup 2026 – Check Players List & Matches Schedule
The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced the Pakistan Women’s “A” squad for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, confirming a 15-member lineup on February 1, 2026. The tournament will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 13 to February 22, 2026, and is considered a major platform for emerging talent across Asia.
Formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, the competition features eight teams, including “A” sides from full-member nations and senior teams from selected associate members. For Pakistan, the event represents a crucial step in strengthening the women’s cricket pipeline ahead of future international assignments.
Leadership and Squad Composition
Off-spinning all-rounder Umm-e-Hani has been named captain of the Pakistan Women’s “A” side. Known for her composure and consistency, Umm-e-Hani brings leadership experience and balance to a squad that blends youth with players who have already tasted international cricket.
Pakistan Women’s “A” Squad
Captain
- Umm-e-Hani (Faisalabad)
Batters
- Shawaal Zulfiqar
- Eman Naseer
- Gull Rukh
- Hafsa Khalid
- Huraina Sajjad
Wicket-Keepers
- Yusra Amir
- Komal Khan
All-Rounders
- Noreen Yaqoob
Spinners
- Anosha Nasir
- Momina Riasat
Pacers
- Waheeda Akhtar
- Lubna Behram
- Neha Sharmin Nadeem
- Syeda Masooma Jafri
Reserves
- Zunash Abdul Sattar
- Maham Anees
- Amber Kainat
- Ayesha Bilal
Youth Talent and Recent Performers
One of the standout selections is Eman Naseer, the Pakistan U19 captain, who continues to progress rapidly through the system. Her inclusion reflects the PCB’s intent to provide young leaders with exposure at higher competitive levels.
Wicket-keeper Komal Khan also earned her call-up following strong performances in Pakistan’s recent series win against Bangladesh U19, highlighting the selection committee’s emphasis on form and impact rather than reputation alone.
Tournament Format and Group Placement
Pakistan Women’s “A” have been placed in Group A, alongside some of the strongest and most competitive sides in the tournament.
Group A Teams
- Pakistan Women’s “A”
- India Women’s “A”
- United Arab Emirates
- Nepal
All group-stage matches will be played at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, a venue known for slower surfaces that traditionally assist spinners.
Pakistan Women’s “A” Match Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 13 | Nepal | 9:30 AM |
| Feb 15 | India “A” | 2:00 PM |
| Feb 17 | UAE | 2:00 PM |
| Feb 20 | Semi-Finals | TBC |
| Feb 22 | Final | 2:00 PM |
The clash against India Women’s “A” on February 15 is widely regarded as the marquee group-stage fixture and is expected to be a strong indicator of Pakistan’s title credentials.
Coaching and Support Staff
The PCB has assembled an experienced support unit to guide the squad through the tournament.
Support Personnel
- Head Coach: Muhammad Masroor
- Batting Coach: Shoaib Khan
- Bowling Coach: Naeem Tayyab
- Fielding Coach: Jaweria Rauf
The presence of a full coaching panel reflects the importance placed on performance development rather than just results.
Preparations and Departure Plan
The team is currently undergoing a pre-tournament training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, focusing on:
- Match simulations
- Fitness conditioning
- Spin and death-over strategies
The squad is scheduled to depart for Thailand on February 10, 2026, giving them adequate time to acclimatize to local conditions.
Why This Tournament Matters
The ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars serves as a critical bridge between domestic cricket and the senior national team. Strong performances here often translate into national call-ups, especially with Pakistan continuing to invest in women’s cricket depth.
For Pakistan Women’s “A,” this tournament is not just about winning silverware. It is about:
- Identifying future internationals
- Testing leadership under pressure
- Building bench strength for long-term success
Final Outlook
With a balanced squad, capable leadership, and a structured support system, Pakistan Women’s “A” enter the 2026 Asia Cup Rising Stars as serious contenders. The mix of youth and experience, combined with exposure against India “A” and other competitive sides, makes this campaign a defining moment for Pakistan’s next generation of women cricketers.
