Muneeba Ali to Captain Pakistan in Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026

Pakistan have appointed wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali as captain for the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, which is scheduled to begin in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, on November 12.

Muneeba will lead Pakistan in the absence of regular captain Fatima Sana, who is unavailable because of her commitments with Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Batter Ayesha Zafar has been named vice-captain of the 14-member squad.

The tournament provides Pakistan’s women cricketers with another opportunity to compete internationally and build experience against teams from emerging cricket nations.

Why Is Muneeba Ali Leading Pakistan?

Muneeba has previously stepped in as Pakistan captain when Fatima Sana was unavailable. She also led the team during the T20I leg of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in July 2026, when Sana was playing for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.

The Emerging Nations Trophy will also mark Muneeba’s return to the national setup after she missed the Asian Games due to personal reasons.

Her experience as a wicketkeeper-batter and previous leadership responsibilities will be important as Pakistan prepare for the 10-team competition.

Fatima Sana to Miss the Tournament

Pakistan’s regular captain Fatima Sana will not participate in the tournament because of her WBBL commitments with Perth Scorchers.

Her absence means Pakistan will rely on Muneeba’s leadership and the experience of other players in the squad. Ayesha Zafar’s appointment as vice-captain provides additional leadership support for the team.

The selection also reflects the scheduling challenges faced by international cricketers who participate in overseas franchise competitions.

Also Read: Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf Break ODI Records as Pakistan Stun England in Lahore

Pakistan Squad for Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has selected the following 14 players for the tournament:

• Muneeba Ali (captain)
• Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain)
• Eman Naseer
• Eyman Fatima
• Gull Feroza
• Momina Riasat
• Nashra Sundhu
• Sadaf Shamas
• Saira Jabeen
• Shawaal Zulfiqar
• Tasmia Rubab
• Tuba Hassan
• Umm-e-Hani
• Waheeda Akhtar

Compared with the squad that featured at the Asian Games, all-rounder Aliya Riaz and fast bowler Humna Bilal have been left out. Waheeda Akhtar and Sadaf Shamas have returned to the group after being part of Pakistan’s Women’s Asia Cup squad but not the Asian Games team.

Pakistan’s Preparation for the Tournament

The squad is scheduled to assemble in Lahore on November 6. A three-day training camp will take place from November 7 to 9 before the team departs for the UAE.

The preparation period will give the players time to work on their combinations and match plans ahead of the tournament’s opening on November 12.

Pakistan will need contributions from both experienced players and emerging talent as they seek to make an impact in the 10-team event.

What to Expect From Pakistan

With Muneeba Ali leading the side, Pakistan will aim to make a strong start to their Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy campaign. The captain’s batting and wicketkeeping responsibilities will be important, while the bowling group will look to provide consistency throughout the competition.

The tournament is also an opportunity for players to strengthen their positions in Pakistan’s wider women’s cricket setup. Their performances could help selectors assess options for future international assignments.

Pakistan’s campaign begins in Ajman on November 12, with the team set to complete its final preparations after the training camp in Lahore.

This article is based on the squad and tournament information reported by Cricbuzz. Match-by-match fixtures and results should be added when officially available.