In preparation for the Women's T20 Asia Cup, which will be contested in Sylhet, Bangladesh, next month, Pakistan's opener Sidra Amin and wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz were recalled to the team on Wednesday.
Sadaf Shamas, an uncapped all-rounder, is also a member of the 15-player team, which was announced by national women's selector and former Pakistan bowler Asmavia Iqbal.
The Pakistani team that competed in the tri-series in Ireland, along with Australia, and the inaugural women's T20 competition at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July-August has undergone three changes. Left-arm spinner Anam Amin, wicketkeeper-batter Gul Feroza, and middle-order batter Iram Javed are the players who were in that team but did not participate in the Women's Asia Cup.
Sidra Amin has been in good form lately. She did well in the practise matches and recently became just the second Pakistani women's batter to score two ODI centuries. Her presence at the top of the order will instil stability. "I want to congratulate the 15 players selected for the all-important Asia Cup next month. These players have been selected after observing their performances in the recent practise matches in Lahore," said Asmavia.
The top four teams will advance to the semifinals after the round-robin first stage of the competition is completed.
"Because the event will go a long time, Sidra Nawaz has been chosen as a second keeper. We require a skilled wicketkeeper on these surfaces to serve as Muneeba Ali's backup should the necessity arise."
"Sadaf Shamas performed remarkably well in the most recent practise matches, therefore we believe that promoting her to the national team at this moment was appropriate. She will undoubtedly turn out to be a valuable addition to the national team. When given the chance, her ability to bowl medium quick and bat in the middle order makes her a solid fit for the team and promises to offer balance to the starting XI "Asmavia added.
Nashra Sundhu, a left-arm traditionalist, is one of the four players waiting in Pakistan. Waheeda Akhtar, Umme Hani, and Natalia Pervaiz make up the other three.
From September 18 to 27, the 15-player squad and the reserves will train for 10 days at Lahore Country Club in Muridke before the national team departs for Bangladesh on September 28.
"I had in-depth discussions with the players that were cut. Given their recent performance and the circumstances our squad will face, the decision was made to exclude them. They are aware of their weaknesses, and I have no doubt that they will continue to work hard to create a successful comeback " Asmavia said finally.
Following David Hemp's decision to not to extend his contract, the Pakistan Cricket Board will start the search for the new women's head coach following the expiration of his contract in mid-October.
Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Tuba Hasan
Reserve players: Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Umme Hani and Waheeda Akhtar