Sana returns to lead the side after missing the T20I portion of Pakistan’s recent tour of Sri Lanka due to her commitments with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. She became the first Pakistani female cricketer to feature in the Women’s Hundred.
The squad also welcomes back Sadia Iqbal and Gull Feroza. Sadia missed the entire Sri Lanka tour, while Gull featured in the ODI matches but was not selected for the T20I leg.
Pakistan will hold a preparatory camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore from August 16 to 25 before travelling to Dubai. Their first Asia Cup match is scheduled against Thailand on September 1.
Diana Baig misses out
Experienced fast bowler Diana Baig is the biggest omission from the Asia Cup squad. She has not been included in either the main squad or the four-member reserve group, although no official reason has been given for her absence.
Najiha Alvi and Waheeda Akhtar have been selected for the Asia Cup but will not be part of Pakistan’s Asian Games squad. Sadia Iqbal has also been named in the Asia Cup squad but will serve as a reserve for the Asian Games.
Asia Cup and Asian Games schedules overlap
The scheduling of the two tournaments presents a challenge for Pakistan. The Women’s Asia Cup final is scheduled for September 13, while Pakistan could face Thailand again in the Asian Games quarter-final on September 17, just four days later.
For the Asian Games squad, Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab and Humna Bilal come into the main group, replacing Sadia Iqbal, Waheeda Akhtar and Najiha Alvi. Fatima Sana will continue to captain Pakistan in both competitions.
Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Squad
Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.
Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees and Sadaf Shamas.
