When a team steps onto the international stage without its regular captain, a new chapter begins for the players tasked with carrying the nation's hopes. According to ESPNcricinfo and the Express Tribune, Muneeba Ali will lead Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, stepping in while regular skipper Fatima Sana fulfills commitments in Australia.

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 14-member squad for the tournament, which according to the Express Tribune is scheduled to be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from 12 to 25 November. Batter Ayesha Zafar has been appointed as the vice-captain of the side, as reported by both ESPNcricinfo and the Express Tribune.

According to the Express Tribune, the squad features batters Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, alongside Gull Feroza, who was named the best wicketkeeper-batter in the recently concluded National Women's T20 Tournament. The bowling attack is anchored by left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu, alongside spinners Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan, and Umm-e-Hani, with Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar listed as frontline pace options.

Twelve players have retained their places from Pakistan's last assignment, while Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have been recalled to the squad, the Express Tribune reported. The team will be supported by a coaching and support staff featuring Wahab Riaz as mentor, Ayesha Ashar as team manager, Abdur Rehman as spin bowling coach, Umaid Asif as fast bowling coach, Abdul Majeed as fielding coach, Imran Farhat as batting coach, Waleed Ahmed as performance analyst, Moeen as strength and conditioning coach, and Dur Samand as physiotherapist.

Background

According to the Express Tribune, the Pakistan women's team most recently won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan. Regular captain Fatima Sana will be absent from the squad as she is in Australia to participate in her maiden Women's Big Bash League season, as noted by both ESPNcricinfo and the Express Tribune. The ICC Emerging Nations Trophy is a 30-match tournament featuring 10 teams divided into two groups. Pakistan is placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe, while Group A consists of Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and hosts United Arab Emirates. Following a single-league round-robin stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, where the top two teams will meet in the final on 25 November.

Why it matters

For sports followers in Pakistan, the tournament offers a platform to observe emerging cricketing talent and squad depth on the international stage. With several players retaining their spots and key figures stepping into leadership roles in the absence of the regular captain, the performance in the UAE will highlight the growth and readiness of Pakistan's broader pool of women cricketers.

What's next

According to the Express Tribune, the Pakistan squad is scheduled to assemble in Lahore on 6 November to undergo a pre-tournament training camp on 7, 8, and 9 November before departing for the United Arab Emirates.