Pakistan Squad for World Cup Qualifiers: Shawaal Zulfiqar Returns After Extended Injury Absence

Shawaal Zulfiqar, the talented 19-year-old batter, has been named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, marking her return to competitive cricket after a lengthy injury break. Zulfiqar has been out of action since sustaining a shoulder injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in December 2023.

Pakistan Women have not featured in any international match since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE in October 2024. Their most recent ODI appearance came in May 2024 during their tour of England.

Though Zulfiqar has only played one ODI and seven T20Is, she made a memorable impact during the New Zealand tour, scoring 41 while opening the innings to guide Pakistan to a historic chase of 128—securing their first-ever T20I win against New Zealand in women’s cricket.

The 15-member squad will once again be captained by Fatima Sana, with Muneeba Ali serving as her deputy. The team is currently attending a training camp, focusing on regaining match fitness and rhythm through practice sessions and warm-up matches.

According to a PCB statement, “The squad was selected after the selection committee evaluated players’ fitness and form during the ongoing second phase of the preparation camp, where players participated in practice matches and training sessions.”

Pakistan's Fixtures at the World Cup Qualifier (Lahore):

• April 9: vs Ireland

• April 11: vs Scotland

• April 14: vs West Indies

• April 17: vs Thailand

• April 19: vs Bangladesh

The Qualifiers, set to be played in Lahore from April 9 to 19, feature six teams: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies. The top two teams will earn a spot in the Women’s ODI World Cup, to be held later this year in India.

Should Pakistan qualify, they will play their World Cup matches at neutral venues in either the UAE or Sri Lanka, in line with the ICC’s current agreement on India-Pakistan fixtures, which remains in place until 2027.

Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and hosts India have already secured automatic qualification.

Pakistan Squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers:

• Fatima Sana (captain)

• Muneeba Ali (vice-captain)

• Aliya Riaz

• Diana Baig

• Gull Feroza

• Najiha Alvi (wk)

• Nashra Sandhu

• Natalia Parvaiz

• Omaima Sohail

• Rameen Shamim

• Sadia Iqbal

• Shawaal Zulfiqar

• Sidra Amin

• Sidra Nawaz (wk)

• Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserves: Ghulam Fatima, Waheeda Akhtar, Umm-e-Hani

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