Fatima Sana says ICC initiatives boosted women's cricket in Pakistan

LONDON: Skipper Fatima Sana has hailed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) continued support in developing women’s cricket in Pakistan, as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July.

Fatima stressed that consistent strong performances at the global level would significantly raise the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, adding that success in major tournaments would be key to boosting public interest and strengthening support for the women’s game back home.

“If we play good cricket in this tournament, I think in Pakistan, people will be supporting us,” Sana said.

She also acknowledged the ICC’s role in promoting the women’s format, noting that its initiatives have helped raise awareness and strengthen the game in Pakistan.

“I think the ICC takes a lot of initiative about women's cricket, so everyone knows about the game in Pakistan," she stated.

Fatima further highlighted the significance of Pakistan being awarded hosting rights for a future Women’s World Cup, calling it a positive development for the sport’s growth 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 concluded.

Pakistan have been placed in Group 1 and will begin their campaign on 14 June with a high-profile clash against arch-rivals India at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The same venue will host their second group match against South Africa on 17 June.

They will then travel to Southampton to face Bangladesh on 20 June before heading to Leeds to meet Australia on 23 June. Their final group-stage fixture will be against the Netherlands in Bristol on 27 June.

Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.

Reserves: Kainat Imtiaz, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani.