Squad announced as Pakistan aim to complete hat-trick of gold medals in Asian Games
The event will be held in China
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the women’s squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
This year’s event is scheduled to take place from September 19-26 and will be played in the T20 format.
Left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar have received maiden call-ups after good performances in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup.
Diana Baig has also been included in the 15-player squad after recovering from a finger injury.
Former captain Bismah Maroof won’t feature in the Asian Games because of the event’s rules and regulations that do not permit athletes to carry their children.
Pakistan women’s team will be looking to complete a hat-trick of gold medals in the Asian Games after clinching the top prize in the last two editions, held in Guangzhou, China in 2010 and Incheon, South Korea 2014.
As per the ICC T20I rankings and tournament’s regulations, Pakistan women’s team will feature in the event from the quarter-finals scheduled to take place from September 22-24.
The semi-finals will be held on September 25. Meanwhile, the final and the match for the bronze medal will take place on September 26.
“The Asian Games have witnessed some extraordinary moments for Pakistan women's cricket, and it's an immense privilege to be part of that history. As captain, I am confident in the abilities of my teammates, both the experienced ones and the exciting young talents. Together, we aim to create more unforgettable memories and clinch that third consecutive gold,” said Pakistan captain Nida Dar.
“There's a sense of pride and determination within our team as we head to the 19th Asian Games. We know the competition will be tough, but we have a strong belief in our skills and team spirit.
“It's disheartening to hear that Bismah Maroof won't be available to join the team due to the protocol of the organisers. As known her for years, I understand how much representing Pakistan means to Bismah.
“We have a team of incredibly talented and dedicated players who are ready to seize this opportunity and excel on the big stage. Each one of us is determined to give our absolute best and uphold the legacy of Pakistan women's cricket in the Asian Games.”
Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani
Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Mark Coles (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).
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