Mohsin Naqvi's PCB announces Pakistan squad Vs India for February 15 match

PCB announced PAK squad vs IND for Feb 15 match [Source: X]

In a significant development, Mohsin Naqvi's PCB has unveiled Pakistan's squad for the ACC Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Despite the Pakistan government boycotting the T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled on February 15, the PCB, in its official press release, included the clash against the neighbours in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars. 

So, although Pakistan has decided not to take the field against India in the T20 World Cup, the Women's teams from the rival nations are set to cross swords on February 15, the day that was supposed to witness the iconic rivalry in the men's event. 

While the Pakistan men's team hasn't got the government approval to play against India, the PCB's decision to let the Women's game proceed unopposed signifies its hypocrisy. Nonetheless, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad, along with four non-travelling reserves, for the ACC Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars, where they will face India in their second group-stage match on February 15. 

Eman Naseer to spearhead Pakistani batting with Gull Rukh, Hafsa Khalid

Islamabad's prodigious talent, Eman Naseer, has been selected as one of Pakistan's key batters for the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars. She will spearhead the Pakistani batting unit alongside Gull Rukh, Hafsa Khalid, Huraina Sajjad and Shawal Zulfiqar. 

Lahore's Komal Khan and Yusra Amir from Karachi have been included in the team as Pakistan's wicketkeeping options. The duo further solidifies Pakistan's lineup, adding quality and depth to their batting unit. 

Noreen Yaqoob, Anosha Nasir, Waheeda Akhtar to lead Pakistan's bowling department

Promising all-rounder Noreen Yaqoob and Umm-e-Hani will form Pakistan's all-round core at the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars. While Karachi's Anosha Nasir boosts the bowling unit with her guile and variations, the likes of Lubna Behram, Neha Sharmin Nadeem and Waheeda Akhtar could rattle the opposition by pace, accuracy and precision. 

Lahore's Zunash Abdul Sattar, Amber Kainat and Ayesha Bilal are among the reserves, along with Maham Anees from Islamabad. 

Pakistan squad for ACC Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars

• Batters: Eman Naseer (Islamabad), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Hafsa Khalid (Karachi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Shawaal Zulfiqar (Lahore)
• Wicket-keeper: Komal Khan (Lahore), Yusra Amir (Karachi)
• All-rounders: Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore) and Umm-e-Hani (Faisalabad)
• Spinners: Anosha Nasir (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad)
• Pacers: Lubna Behram (Hunza), Neha Sharmin Nadeem (Karachi), Syeda Masooma Jafri (Karachi), Waheeda Akhtar (Lahore)
• Non-travelling reserves: Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Amber Kainat (Lahore) and Ayesha Bilal (Lahore)

Pakistan's Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars schedule

• 13 February – Pakistan ‘A’ v Nepal – 9.30am local time
• 15 February – Pakistan ‘A’ v India ‘A’ – 2pm local time
• 17 February – Pakistan ‘A’ v UAE – 2pm local time

Led by Faisalabad's Umm-e-Hani, Pakistan will kick off their campaign in a riveting clash against Nepal on February 13. They will face arch-rivals India in their subsequent affair on the 15th before brushing shoulders with the United Arab Emirates two days later. All matches will be played at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Thailand.