Self-belief and discipline the mantra for Pakistan in CWC25
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana wants the team to respect opponents but not at the cost of their self-belief at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Pakistan are ready for their sixth ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup appearance, with young all-rounder Fatima Sana at the helm of their 15-member group.
Leading the side into the global event at just 23, Sana wants Pakistan to remain united and show belief.
“Personally, it is an honour and a humbling experience to lead Pakistan in an ODI World Cup for the first time,” Sana wrote in her column for the ICC.
“My aim is simple: to keep the team united, to encourage every player to express themselves, and to approach each game with belief, discipline and team spirit,” she added.
Pakistan qualify for the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 | WCWCQ 2025
What a moment for Pakistan as they make it to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India.
Sana believes that her team wouldn't be overawed by their higher-ranked opponents, and look to inspire for the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
"We respect every opposition we face, but we also believe in the hard work we’ve put in. My hope is that our performances not only bring joy to our fans but also inspire more girls in Pakistan to pick up a bat or a ball and dream of representing their country one day."
Pakistan are into the event courtesy a splendid run in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in April this year at home. The team won all their games to secure a spot at the Cricket World Cup.
“The recent qualifiers gave us confidence,” Sana reflected. “But we also know that the World Cup is a different challenge altogether. Each match will demand focus, consistency, and resilience — and that’s where our preparation and teamwork will matter most.”
BROADCAST DETAILS FOR WOMEN'S CRICKET WORLD CUP 2025
Fatima Sana – Pakistan's captain extraordinaire | ICC 100% Cricket
fatima Sana (1).mp4 (2025-04-19 10:22:05Z)
Pakistan’s squad this year will bear a visibly different look from the group that featured in New Zealand in 2022, with experienced faces like Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar not a part of the setup.
However, Sana believes that the side has enough experience to tackle the upcoming challenge, and that the influx of youthful energy will only benefit the Women in Green.
“We have a balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. Teammates like Sidra Amin, Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu, Aliya Riaz, and Muneeba Ali have already been part of past World Cups and bring calmness and experience.
“At the same time, youngsters like Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Natalia Parvaiz bring fresh energy and skills that add depth to our team.”
Keeping the sub-continental conditions in mind, Sana wants her team to create meaningful partnerships with the bat and ball to win crucial passages of play.
“As captain and a fast bowler, I’m looking forward to the conditions in Sri Lanka. Bowling there requires discipline, and as a group of pacers and spinners, our biggest test will be to strike at key moments and support each other through partnerships in the field.
“On the batting side, we know that building partnerships and playing with freedom will be crucial.”
Pakistan will play their first game of the World Cup against Bangladesh on October 2 in Colombo.