No Place For Nida Dar As Hosts Pakistan Announces Squad For The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025

In a major announcement ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, Pakistan has revealed its 15-member squad for the tournament, which is set to take place in Lahore from April 9 to 19. The tournament is a crucial opportunity for the competing teams to secure one of the two remaining spots for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India later this year.

While the squad includes a balanced mix of young and experienced players, the biggest talking point is the absence of veteran all-rounder Nida Dar, a decision that has sparked debate among fans and cricket analysts. The selectors have instead opted for a younger, dynamic squad, showing confidence in fresh talent to step up on home soil.

With Fatima Sana continuing as captain and Muneeba Ali serving as vice-captain, Pakistan will be looking to capitalize on home conditions and secure their place in the main event.

Nida Dar’s Omission: A Bold Call by the Selectors

One of the most surprising exclusions from Pakistan’s squad is that of seasoned all-rounder Nida Dar. The 37-year-old, who was part of the 19-player training camp leading up to the selection, was expected to feature in the squad given her vast international experience and ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

Dar, known for her match-winning performances and leadership qualities, has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team for over a decade. With more than 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in international cricket, her absence is a significant move by the selectors.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not provided specific details regarding her exclusion, sources suggest that the selection panel considered fitness levels and recent form as key factors. However, her omission remains a point of discussion, as Pakistan will have to find a way to compensate for the experience and skillset she brings to the team.

Fatima Sana Continues as Captain: A Young Leader with Big Responsibilities

Pakistan has once again placed its trust in Fatima Sana, who led the team in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 and will now take charge in the 50-over format as well.

At just 22 years old, Sana has quickly risen as one of Pakistan’s most promising all-rounders. Her ability to swing the ball and contribute valuable runs lower down the order makes her a key asset. Having captained the team in challenging conditions during the T20 World Cup, she now has the responsibility of leading Pakistan in a high-pressure qualification tournament.

Sana’s leadership will be complemented by Muneeba Ali, who has been named as vice-captain. A stylish left-handed batter and wicketkeeper, Muneeba has been a consistent performer in Pakistan’s top order and will provide guidance alongside Sana as they aim to secure World Cup qualification.

Squad Composition: A Blend of Experience and Young Talent

Despite the absence of Nida Dar, Pakistan has put together a well-rounded squad that includes key players across all departments.

Batting Strength

Pakistan will depend on the likes of Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali, and Omaima Sohail to anchor their batting. Sidra Amin has been one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters in recent years, while Muneeba brings aggression to the top order.

Shawal Zulfiqar, who had missed the tour of New Zealand due to a shoulder injury, makes a return, adding further depth to the batting lineup.

All-Rounders and Middle Order Stability

The team boasts a strong group of all-rounders, including Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, and Ramin Shamim, who bring balance to the side with their ability to contribute in both departments.

Aliya Riaz, in particular, will be crucial in providing firepower in the middle order, while Ramin Shamim’s off-spin could be a valuable weapon on Pakistani pitches.

Bowling Attack

Pakistan has a well-rounded bowling attack, with a strong mix of pace and spin. Diana Baig and Fatima Sana will lead the fast-bowling department, while the experienced Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal will spearhead the spin attack.

The inclusion of Syeda Aroob Shah, an emerging leg-spinner, shows Pakistan’s intent to groom young talent for the future.

Wicketkeeping Options

With both Sidra Nawaz and Najiba Alvi included in the squad as wicketkeeping options, Pakistan has ensured flexibility behind the stumps. Sidra Nawaz, in particular, brings plenty of experience and will be a key figure in guiding the bowling attack.

Pakistan’s Advantage: Playing on Home Soil

One of the biggest advantages for Pakistan in this tournament will be the fact that all matches will be played in Lahore, giving them the comfort of home conditions.

The Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground have been selected as the two venues for the 15-match competition. Familiarity with the pitches and conditions will be a huge factor, as Pakistan will look to leverage home support and local knowledge to outplay their rivals.

Tournament Format and Path to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 will feature six teams:

Pakistan
Bangladesh
Ireland
Scotland
Thailand
West Indies

Each team will play against every other team once in a round-robin format. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will earn a place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will be held in India.

Several teams have already secured direct qualification, including:

Australia (Defending Champions)
England
South Africa
Sri Lanka
New Zealand
India (Hosts)

For Pakistan, this qualifier tournament is a must-win situation, as they finished outside the automatic qualification spots in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 standings.

Pakistan’s Schedule in the Tournament

Pakistan will kick off their campaign on April 9 against Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium. The team will be looking to start on a strong note and carry the momentum forward.

With the competition being played in home conditions, Pakistan will aim to maximize their advantage and ensure a direct qualification spot for the World Cup.

Pakistan’s 15-Member Squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025

Fatima Sana (c)
Muneeba Ali (vc)
Aliya Riaz
Diana Baig
Gul Feroza
Najiba Alvi (wk)
Nashra Sandhu
Natalia Pervaiz
Omaima Sohail
Ramin Shamim
Sadia Iqbal
Shawal Zulfiqar
Sidra Amin
Sidra Nawaz (wk)
Syeda Aroob Shah

Final Thoughts: Can Pakistan Seal Their Spot in the 2025 World Cup?

Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 reflects a strategic shift towards youth and fitness-based selections. While the omission of Nida Dar may raise questions, the selectors have shown confidence in the next generation of cricketers to step up.

With Fatima Sana leading the charge, Pakistan will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage and secure a ticket to the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.

As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s young leaders, emerging stars, and experienced players as they aim to take the team to cricket’s grandest stage.

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