Women’s cricket in Pakistan has gained significant momentum in recent years, and Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Captain Fatima Sana believes the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 presents another major opportunity to strengthen the sport’s profile at home. Speaking at the Captains’ Carnival in London on Sunday, Sana said the tournament could play an important role in attracting greater public interest and support for the women’s game across Pakistan.
With Pakistan preparing for a challenging campaign in England and Wales, the skipper emphasised the importance of delivering strong performances on the world stage.
“If we play good cricket in this tournament, I think in Pakistan, people will be supporting us,” Fatima Sana said.
ICC support driving greater visibility
Pakistan will enter the tournament as part of Group 1, where they are set to face India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia and the Netherlands during the group stage. The competition will run from 12 June to 5 July, with Pakistan opening their campaign against India at Edgbaston on 14 June before returning to the same venue to take on South Africa three days later.
“I think the ICC takes a lot of initiative about women’s cricket, so everyone knows about the game in Pakistan,” Sana added.
The captain’s comments come at a time when women’s cricket continues to receive increased attention globally through expanded international events, development programmes and greater investment in the women’s game.
Opportunity to build on recent progress
Beyond the immediate challenge of the T20 World Cup, Sana pointed to the long-term significance of Pakistan being awarded hosting rights for a future Women’s World Cup, describing it as another positive step for the sport’s development in the country.
“And finally, we got the chance to host the next World Cup in Pakistan, so that’s also a good thing, so I think a lot really depends on this tournament,” she stated.
Pakistan’s group-stage campaign will continue with matches against Bangladesh in Southampton on 20 June, Australia in Leeds on 23 June and the Netherlands in Bristol on 27 June, with qualification for the knockout stages at stake.
Pakistan squad named for World Cup campaign
Pakistan have selected a 15-player squad for the tournament led by Sana, with Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan also included.
The squad will be supported by reserves Kainat Imtiaz, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani as Pakistan look to make an impact in England and Wales and build further momentum for women’s cricket at home.
