Muneeba Ali to captain Pakistan at ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026
Synopsis
Pakistan make their debut at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 with wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali Siddiqui at the helm — regular captain Fatima Sana sits out for the Women's Big Bash League. With a bronze medal at the Asian Games fresh in memory and a balanced 14-member squad, Pakistan enter Group B against defending champions Thailand in Ajman from 12 November.
Key Takeaways
Muneeba Ali Siddiqui named captain and Ayesha Zafar vice-captain of Pakistan's 14-member squad for the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026.
Pakistan make their debut in the tournament, which was launched in 2025 .
The 10-team, 30-match tournament runs from 12 to 25 November 2026 in Ajman, UAE .
Pakistan placed in Group B with defending champions Thailand , Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Zimbabwe.
Regular captain Fatima Sana is absent, set to play in the Women's Big Bash League in Australia.
Pakistan squad assembles in Lahore on 6 November for a pre-tournament camp before travelling to the UAE.
Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali Siddiqui will lead Pakistan at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 14-member squad for the tournament on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. Pakistan will make their debut appearance in the competition, which was launched in 2025, with Ayesha Zafar named vice-captain.
Tournament Details and Group Stage
The 10-team competition will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from 12 to 25 November. The tournament will feature 30 matches, beginning with a single-league round-robin stage. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, where each side plays three matches, before the top two contest the final on 25 November.
Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and hosts UAE.
Squad Composition and Key Players
The squad features six other batters alongside Muneeba and Ayesha: Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Gull Feroza, recently named the best wicketkeeper-batter at the National Women's T20 Tournament, has also earned a place in the squad.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will spearhead the bowling attack, supported by fellow spinners Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e-Hani. Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar are the frontline pace options. Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have been recalled to the squad, while 12 players retain their places from the team's previous assignment.
Fatima Sana Absence and Recent Form
Pakistan will be without regular captain Fatima Sana, who is set to feature in her maiden Women's Big Bash League season in Australia. Notably, Pakistan recently claimed the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan, providing the side with momentum heading into their tournament debut.
Pre-Tournament Camp and Travel Schedule
The Pakistan squad will assemble in Lahore on 6 November and undergo a three-day training camp from 7 to 9 November before travelling to the UAE. The full squad is: Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (captain, wk), Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain), Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wk), Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.
Pakistan's debut at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy offers a significant opportunity to measure younger talent against international competition ahead of marquee ICC events on the horizon.
Point of View
But the absence of Fatima Sana exposes a depth question the PCB cannot defer indefinitely. Muneeba Ali's appointment signals an investment in her leadership credentials, yet the squad's real test is whether the bowling unit — spinners-heavy in UAE conditions — can contain proven sides like Thailand. Pakistan's Asian Games bronze adds confidence, but a 10-team debut tournament with no safety net for early exits demands tactical maturity that has not always been consistent in their women's programme.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026?
Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali Siddiqui will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, with Ayesha Zafar serving as vice-captain. The PCB announced the 14-member squad on 27 October 2026.
When and where is the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 held?
The tournament is scheduled from 12 to 25 November 2026 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. It features 10 teams and 30 matches, culminating in a final on 25 November.
Why is Fatima Sana not part of Pakistan's squad?
Regular captain Fatima Sana has been left out as she is set to participate in her maiden Women's Big Bash League season in Australia. Her absence creates an opening for Muneeba Ali to lead the side.
Which group is Pakistan in, and who are their opponents?
Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. Group A consists of Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and hosts UAE.
Is this Pakistan's first appearance at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy?
Yes, this is Pakistan's debut in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, which was launched in 2025. Pakistan recently won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan ahead of the tournament.
