Muneeba Ali named Pakistan captain for Emerging Nations Trophy
Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in Ajman.
Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 14-member squad on Tuesday. The 10-team competition will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25.
Ayesha Zafar was named vice-captain, with the squad featuring six other batters alongside Muneeba and Ayesha. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will lead the bowling attack, supported by spinners Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani, with Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar as the frontline pace options.
Pakistan will be without regular captain Fatima Sana, who is set to feature in her maiden Women's Big Bash League season in Australia. The team has been placed in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. The squad will assemble in Lahore on November 6 for a three-day training camp before travelling to the UAE.
CricHubb Take
The absence of Fatima Sana gives Muneeba a chance to embed her own leadership style before the senior team's next major assignment.