PCB announces women squad for Asian Games

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the women’s cricket competition at the upcoming Asian Games, to be played in China’s Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8.

All-rounder Nida Dar has been appointed as captain after Bisma Maroof relinquished leadership role following Pakistan’s group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The squad includes talented left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and batter Shawaal Zulfiqar who put up impressive performances in the ICC Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup.

Legspin-bowling allrounder and captain of Under-19 team Aroob Shah also returned to the senior side after three years.

Fast-bowler Diana Baig has also made a return to the side after recovering from a finger injury sustained earlier this year.

Former captain Bismah Maroof has missed out on selection following organizers protocol of not allowing participating players to carry children to the event. As a result, she opted out of the event.

Another notable omission is hard-hitting batter Ayesha Naseem who has retired from international cricket for “personal reasons”.

🚨 Here's our 15-player squad for the 19th #AsianGames Hangzhou 2022! 🚨

Read more: https://t.co/b7jrofscuJ#BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/F7boao0ebK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 25, 2023

Pakistan had won the gold medal at Asian Games in 2010 and 2014.