Bisma will lead Pakistan in the famous ICC Women's World Cup
The National Women's Cricket Selection Committee has announced a 15-member Pakistan Women's Squad for the ICC Women's World Cup 2022. The selection committee includes former cricketers Saleem Jaffer and Tawfiq Umar, while Asmavia Iqbal is the chair of the women's national selection committee.
Bisma Maroof will lead the national women's cricket team in the event, which runs from March 4 to April 3 in New Zealand.
After completing her daughter's birth and maternity leave, she will return to the field wearing a green jersey and cape two years later. ''She last led the national women's cricket team to the ICC Women's World Cup 2020 in Australia''.
Under the PCB's paternal policy, a person will also accompany the squad to New Zealand to assist Bisma Maroof in the care of her daughter.
Two changes have been made in the squad announced by the national women's cricket team. League spinner Ghulam Fatima and veteran batsman Nahida Khan have returned to the squad. She has been included in the squad in place of Sadia Iqbal and Kainat Imtiaz. Both the cricketers were not available for selection due to injuries.
Apart from these two, the third cricketer was Iram Javed who was part of the national women's squad in the ICC Women's World Cup qualifiers but has been included in the travel reserve for the World Cup.
The other two cricketers Toba Hassan and wicketkeeper Najia Alvi will also travel with the squad as traveling reserves.
All-rounder Nada Dar has been named vice-captain of the national women's cricket team announced for the ICC Women's World Cup 2022.
Squad:
''Bisma Maroof (Captain), Nada Dar (Vice Captain), Ayman Anwar, Ghulam Fatima, Jawariya Khan, Muneeb Ali, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sindhu, Amima Sohail,Sidrah Amin, Alia Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, and Sidrah Nawaz. (wicket keeper)''
Traveling Reserve: Iram Javed, Najia Alvi (Wicket Keeper) and Toba Hassan
Sport Staff: Ayesha Jalil (Team Manager), David Hamp (Head Coach), Arshad Khan (Assistant Coach), Kamran Hussain (Assistant Coach), Saboor Ahmed (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Zubair Ahmed (Video Analyst), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagy (Media & Digital Content Manager) and Rifat Gul (Physiotherapist)
Asmavia Iqbal, Chair of Women's National Selection Committee:
Chair of Women's National Selection Committee Asmavia Iqbal says she congratulates all the players who are part of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup squad.
She has announced the national women's squad for the World Cup, taking into account New Zealand's current form and team balance.
Asmavia Iqbal said that they have included Nahida Khan and Ghulam Fatima in the squad while maintaining the majority of players. Every team needs experience in global events and in form better Nahida Khan is an experienced cricketer.
Ghulam Fatima has shown her best in the recent camp in Karachi. As a league spinner, she will be an offensive option for captain Bismillah Maroof.
Bisma Maroof, Captain National Women's Cricket Team:
National women's cricket team captain Bisma Maroof says it is a great honor for her to lead her country. He is excited to be back on the cricket field once again.
He said that the recent practice matches were very competitive which proved to be very beneficial for all the players in the squad including him. Their goal is to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup and this team has this ability.
The National Women's Squad will start a ten-day camp in Karachi from February 27.''The squad will leave for New Zealand on February 8.''
''Pakistan's matches in ICC Women's World Cup 2022'':
6 March: Pakistan v India at Bay Oval, Tricolor
8 March: Pakistan v Australia at Bay Oval, Tricolor
11 March: Pakistan v South Africa at Bay Oval, Tricolor
14 March: Pakistan v Bangladesh at Seddon Park, Hamilton
21 March: Pakistan v West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton
24 March: Pakistan v England at Hegley Oval Christchurch
26 March: Pakistan v New Zealand at Hegley Oval Christchurch