Pakistan Women's Cricket Team Faces Changes Ahead of T20I Series in Ireland
Pakistan Women's Team Adjusts Roster for Upcoming T20I Series
The Pakistan women's cricket team is set to head to Ireland without their key player, Sadaf Shamas, who has been sidelined due to a muscle injury incurred during a training session in Karachi.
Replacing her is Shawaal Zulfiqar, a 20-year-old who participated in the recent 24-player skills camp in Karachi. Zulfiqar has previously played in seven T20Is and three ODIs and will travel from Lahore to Karachi to join her teammates before their departure to Ireland on August 3.
Under the captaincy of Fatima Sana, the Pakistan team remains undefeated in 2025, having achieved five consecutive victories in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier held at home. Meanwhile, Ireland enters the series with confidence after a successful white-ball series against Zimbabwe, where they achieved a clean sweep.
The two teams are scheduled to compete in a three-match T20I series in Dublin from August 6 to 10.
On Friday, Ireland announced a 14-member squad for the series, with Gaby Lewis continuing as captain and Orla Prendergast as vice-captain.
The Ireland squad welcomes back off-spinner Freya Sargent, who returns from injury, while Lara McBride retains her position following a strong debut series against Zimbabwe.
This series is crucial for Ireland as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, aiming to secure a place in next year's tournament.
Historically, the two teams have clashed 19 times in T20Is, with Pakistan winning 15 of those matches. However, in their last encounter in 2022, Ireland triumphed, winning the series 2-1.
Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, and Waheeda Akhtar.
Ireland Squad: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, and Rebecca Stokell.