Pakistan's New Captain Steps In as Star Skipper Sits Out

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-30

Muneeba Ali is about to take on one of the biggest jobs in Pakistan women's cricket. She'll captain the side at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, running from November 12 to 25 in Ajman, UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed a 14-player squad this week, and there's a notable absence: regular captain Fatima Sana won't be there. ### Why Fatima Sana Is Missing Sana got the green light to skip the 10-team tournament because of her Women's Big Bash League commitments. Perth Scorchers signed her for the season, and it's her first stint in the Australian competition. That's a big deal for her career, even if it leaves Pakistan without their usual leader. Don't worry too much, though. Muneeba has done this before. She captained Pakistan in the three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka earlier this year, so she knows what the role demands. Ayesha Zafar will serve as her vice-captain. ### A Squad Built on Recent Success The selectors clearly valued continuity. Twelve players from the group that won bronze at the recent Asian Games in Japan made the cut. Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar are back after missing that tournament, which adds fresh options to an already settled lineup. Here's how the batting order shapes up: - Ayesha Zafar - Gull Feroza - Sadaf Shamas - Shawaal Zulfiqar - Eyman Fatima - Saira Jabeen - Eman Naseer, the 19-year-old who debuted in the Sri Lanka series and has three T20Is under her belt ### Spin Is Pakistan's Real Weapon Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu is the anchor of the bowling attack. She's the only Pakistani in the ICC top 10 for women's T20I bowlers, and that experience matters in tournament cricket. Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Momina Riasat give the side extra spin depth, while Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar handle the pace duties. Muneeba and Gull Feroza will share wicketkeeping responsibilities. As one longtime follower of the women's game put it: "Pakistan's spin attack can win them games on its own. The question is whether the batting holds up under pressure." That's the honest truth of it. ### The Full Squad Muneeba Ali (captain, wicketkeeper), Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain), Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Momina Riasat, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. ### A Tougher Tournament This Time The competition has grown from eight teams to 10 since its first edition last year. Pakistan makes its debut as one of five Full Member nations taking part. The 10 sides are split into two groups of five, with the top three from each advancing to the Super Six stage. Semi-finals and the final follow. Pakistan lands in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. They open against Bangladesh on November 12, right on day one. No easing in, then. ### What to Watch For Keep an eye on how Muneeba handles the captaincy under tournament pressure. She's had a taste of it, but leading a full multi-week event is different. Bangladesh first up is a real test, and Thailand won't give anything away as defending champs. If Pakistan's spinners fire and the top order finds rhythm early, this group is winnable. If not, the Super Six could slip away fast.