The Pakistan women Emerging Nations Trophy squad announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board will be led by Muneeba Ali, with Ayesha Zafar as vice-captain, for the tournament in Ajman in November.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 14-member squad for the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, ProPakistani reported. The tournament will take place in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25.
Regular captain Fatima Sana will miss the tournament as she heads to Australia for her first Women’s Big Bash League season. Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, the wicketkeeper-batter, steps up to lead the side in her place.
Pakistan will make their debut appearance in the competition, which was launched in 2025. The 10-team tournament features 30 matches, beginning with a single round-robin group stage.
Pakistan women Emerging Nations Trophy squad: who made the cut
Pakistan retained 12 players from the squad that won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan, while recalling Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar. That balance gives the side continuity from its most recent success, with two fresh faces added for the UAE conditions.
The batting lineup includes Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Gull Feroza, named the best wicketkeeper-batter in the recently concluded National Women’s T20 Tournament, also makes the squad.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will lead the bowling attack alongside fellow spinners Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani. Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar will provide the frontline pace options.
The support staff includes mentor Wahab Riaz, team manager Ayesha Ashar, spin bowling coach Abdur Rehman, fast bowling coach Umaid Asif, fielding coach Abdul Majeed, batting coach Imran Farhat, performance analyst Waleed Ahmed, strength and conditioning coach Moeen and physiotherapist Dur Samand.
The road to the final in Ajman
Pakistan have been drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Group A features Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and the host UAE.
The format rewards consistency before it rewards one big day. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, where each side plays three matches. The top two teams then contest the final on Wednesday, November 25.
Thailand, the defending champions, sit in Pakistan’s group, so the group stage already contains the side Pakistan must measure themselves against. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe add further variety, with the Netherlands completing a group that mixes Asian and European styles.
Pakistan’s players will assemble in Lahore on November 6 and attend a three-day training camp from November 7 to 9 before departing for the UAE. That camp is where Muneeba’s leadership of this group will first be tested in practice, before the tournament itself begins.
What this tournament means for the side
The Emerging Nations Trophy is a development tournament, but it is not a low-stakes one. For players outside the established senior core, it is the clearest route to regular international selection, and for the PCB it is a check on whether the depth behind Fatima Sana’s senior side is real.
The Asian Games bronze showed that depth exists. Twelve retained players from that squad suggest the selectors agree. The two recalls, Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar, suggest they are still looking for the right balance around that core.
Feature Pakistan has previously reported on the PCB’s women’s Super 3 T20 squads and on the National Women’s T20 Tournament from which Gull Feroza earned her place. The Ajman tournament is the next step on that pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Who will captain Pakistan at the Emerging Nations Trophy?
Muneeba Ali Siddiqui will captain Pakistan, with Ayesha Zafar as vice-captain, in the absence of regular captain Fatima Sana.
When and where is the tournament?
The ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25, with the final on November 25.
Which group is Pakistan in?
Pakistan are in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.
