Pakistan Names Fatima Sana as Captain for Women's Asia Cup and Asian Games 2026; Drops Veteran Pacer Diana Baig
Fatima Sana will lead Pakistan's women's cricket squads in the DP World Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai and the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Pakistan faces Thailand, India, and Hong Kong-China in the Asia Cup group stage, and plays Thailand in the Asian Games quarter-finals.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced its 15-member squads for the DP World Women's Asia Cup 2026 and the 20th Asian Games women's cricket event, with star all-rounder Fatima Sana set to lead the team in both prestigious tournaments. Sana, who recently participated in The Hundred tournament, returns to national duty at the helm, a move that signals a strong intent from Pakistan ahead of two crucial continental competitions. Women's Asia Cup 2026 Schedule Announced: India vs Pakistan Set for September 5, Tournament Starts August 28
Pakistan will first compete in the Asia Cup in Dubai, followed by their campaign at the Asian Games in Japan. The squad's preparatory camp is already underway at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, running from August 16 to August 25.
DP World Women's Asia Cup 2026
The 10th edition of the Women's Asia Cup, an eight-team T20 tournament, will be held from August 28 to September 13, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Thailand, and Hong Kong, China. Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Indonesia.
Pakistan's Asia Cup Fixtures (Group Stage):
| Date | Match | Venue | Start Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1 | Pakistan vs Thailand | Dubai International Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| September 5 | Pakistan vs India | Dubai International Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| September 7 | Pakistan vs Hong Kong, China | Dubai International Stadium | 7:30 PM |
All matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT). The semi-finals are slated for September 10 and 11, with the final taking place on September 13. Cricket at Asian Games 2026: Venue, Teams and All You Need to Know.
20th Asian Games Women's Cricket Event
Following the Asia Cup, the Pakistan women's team will travel to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, for the 20th Asian Games. The women's cricket tournament, played in the T20 format, runs from September 17 to September 22, 2026, at the Korogi Athletic Park.
Pakistan, a two-time gold medalist in women's cricket at the Asian Games (2010 and 2014 editions), will enter directly at the quarter-final stage. Their first challenge will be against Thailand in the fourth quarter-final.
Pakistan's Asian Games Fixture (Quarter-final):
| Date | Match | Venue | Start Time (JST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 17 | Pakistan vs Thailand | Korogi Athletic Park, Aichi | 2:00 PM |
If Pakistan advances, they will play in the semi-finals on September 20, potentially against the winner of the Sri Lanka vs Malaysia quarter-final. The medal matches (Bronze and Gold) are scheduled for September 22.
Squad Composition
Fatima Sana will lead both 15-member squads. Many core players, including Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Saira Jabeen, Eyman Fatima, Eman Naseer, Umm-e-Hani, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sundhu, and Momina Riasat, have been selected for both tournaments. Some players are specific to each squad, with Najiha Alvi, Waheeda Akhtar, and Sadia Iqbal featuring only in the Asia Cup squad, while Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab, and Humna Bilal join the Asian Games contingent. Veteran pacer Diana Baig has been dropped from both squads, having last played for Pakistan women in two ICC WT20 WC 2026 matches. Pakistan Squad for Asian Games 2026 Announced: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Dropped; Sahibzada Farhan Named Captain.
Pakistan Women's Asia Cup 2026 Squad:
- Fatima Sana (Captain)
- Ayesha Zafar
- Eman Naseer
- Eyman Fatima
- Gull Feroza
- Momina Riasat
- Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (Wicketkeeper)
- Najiha Alvi
- Nashra Sundhu
- Sadia Iqbal
- Saira Jabeen
- Shawaal Zulfiqar
- Tuba Hassan
- Umm-e-Hani
- Waheeda Akhtar
Pakistan Women's Asian Games 2026 Squad:
- Fatima Sana (Captain)
- Aliya Riaz
- Ayesha Zafar
- Eman Naseer
- Eyman Fatima
- Gull Feroza
- Humna Bilal
- Momina Riasat
- Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (Wicketkeeper)
- Nashra Sundhu
- Saira Jabeen
- Shawaal Zulfiqar
- Tasmia Rubab
- Tuba Hassan
- Umm-e-Hani
Broadcast Information
For fans in India and the subcontinent, the 20th Asian Games will be broadcast live across Sony Sports Network channels, with live streaming available on the Sony LIV app and website. Specific broadcast details for the DP World Women's Asia Cup 2026 for any region were not available at the time of publication.
Pakistan's dual challenge across these two major tournaments will be a test of their depth and leadership under Fatima Sana as they aim for continental glory.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2026 03:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
