Pakistan A Women Squad Announced for ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the 15-member Pakistan Women’s “A” squad for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, confirming the lineup on February 1, 2026. The tournament will be staged in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 13 to February 22, and is regarded as one of the most important development competitions in Asian women’s cricket.
Formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, the event brings together “A” teams from major cricketing nations and senior sides from associate members, offering a high-pressure environment for identifying future international stars.
Leadership and Squad Overview
Off-spinning all-rounder Umm-e-Hani has been appointed captain of Pakistan Women’s “A”. A consistent performer in domestic cricket, Umm-e-Hani’s leadership is seen as a key stabilising factor for a squad that blends international exposure with promising young talent.
Pakistan Women’s “A” Squad
Captain
- Umm-e-Hani (Faisalabad)
Batters
- Shawaal Zulfiqar
- Eman Naseer
- Gull Rukh
- Hafsa Khalid
- Huraina Sajjad
Wicket-Keepers
- Komal Khan
- Yusra Amir
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
Selection Insights: Youth Rewarded for Performance
The selection reflects PCB’s growing emphasis on pathway-based progression. Two names stand out:
- Eman Naseer, the Pakistan U19 captain, continues her rapid rise after leading from the front at youth level.
- Komal Khan, the wicket-keeper batter, earned her place following strong performances in Pakistan’s 3-2 T20 series victory over Bangladesh U19, impressing selectors with both composure and consistency.
These inclusions underline PCB’s intent to fast-track players who deliver under pressure rather than relying solely on seniority.
Tournament Format and Group Challenge
Pakistan Women’s “A” have been drawn into Group A, arguably the toughest group in the competition.
Group A Teams
- Pakistan Women’s “A”
- India Women’s “A”
- United Arab Emirates
- Nepal
All group matches will be played at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, a venue known for its slower surfaces, where spinners and disciplined bowling units often dictate outcomes.
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 | 9:00 AM / 2:00 PM |
| Feb 22 | Final | 2:00 PM |
The February 15 clash against India Women’s “A” is expected to be the marquee group-stage encounter and a key test of Pakistan’s depth and temperament.
Coaching and Support Staff
The PCB has appointed a full-strength support unit to guide the squad through the tournament:
- Head Coach: Muhammad Masroor
- Batting Coach: Shoaib Khan
- Bowling Coach: Naeem Tayyab
- Fielding Coach: Jaweria Rauf
- Team Manager: Aisha Jalil
The presence of specialised coaches highlights the PCB’s focus on skill development rather than short-term results.
Preparations and Departure Plan
The squad is currently participating in a pre-departure training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi, where sessions are focused on:
- Match simulations under Asian conditions
- Spin-bowling combinations
- Fitness and fielding intensity
- Middle-overs batting strategy
The team is scheduled to depart for Thailand on February 10, 2026, allowing sufficient time for acclimatisation before the opening match.
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. Historically, strong performances at this level have led directly to national call-ups.
For Pakistan Women’s “A”, the tournament represents:
- A testing ground for future internationals
- A leadership challenge for emerging captains
- A benchmark for Pakistan’s women’s cricket depth
Final Outlook
With a balanced squad, experienced leadership, and a structured coaching setup, Pakistan Women’s “A” enter the 2026 Rising Stars tournament as genuine contenders. The mix of youth and experience, combined with high-intensity fixtures against India “A” and other competitive sides, makes this campaign a defining step in Pakistan’s long-term women’s cricket strategy.
