Muneeba Ali to Captain Pakistan in Sri Lanka T20Is as PCB Announces Revamped Squad

Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has been appointed captain of Pakistan's women's T20I team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, with regular skipper Fatima Sana set to miss the shortest-format matches due to her participation in The Hundred.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted Sana to skip the T20I series, allowing her to become the first Pakistani woman cricketer to feature in the prestigious English franchise tournament. She will, however, lead the national side during the three-match ODI series before departing for England.

Major Squad Overhaul After T20 World Cup Disappointment

Pakistan have made significant changes to their T20I squad following a disappointing Women's T20 World Cup campaign, where the team managed just one victory in five matches. Their lone win came against the Netherlands after both teams had already been eliminated from the tournament.

Experienced players Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed, whose selections had attracted criticism during the World Cup, have been dropped from the T20I setup. Fast bowler Diana Baig has also been left out of both the ODI and T20I squads after playing only a limited role during the tournament.

Eight Players Receive Call-Ups

The PCB has introduced fresh faces into the squad, handing opportunities to eight players for the Sri Lanka tour.

Teenage batters Eman Naseer and Maham Anees, along with left-arm spinner Momina Riasat, have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Naseer and Momina are yet to make their international T20 debuts.

Meanwhile, Najiha Alvi, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar return to the national setup after earning recalls.

Muneeba Returns to Leadership Role

This will be Muneeba Ali's second stint as Pakistan's T20I captain. She previously led the side in a T20 International against Australia in 2024.

As one of Pakistan's most experienced players, Muneeba will be tasked with guiding a youthful squad looking to rebuild after their underwhelming World Cup performance.

Series Schedule

Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka begins with a three-match ODI series, scheduled from July 23 to July 28, followed by a three-match T20I series from July 31 to August 4.

All six matches will be played at Hambantota.

Pakistan ODI Squad

Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.

Pakistan T20I Squad

Muneeba Ali (captain & wicketkeeper), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.

With a new-look squad and several emerging talents earning opportunities, Pakistan will aim to begin a fresh chapter as they prepare for an important white-ball assignment against Sri Lanka.