Top-order batter Shawaal Zulfiqar making a return after a long injury layoff in Pakistan squad

Shawaal Zulfiqar, the 19-year-old top-order batter, has been recalled to Pakistan's squad for the Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in December 2023 during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. Pakistan Women have not played since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE in October, and their last ODI appearance came during their tour of England in May 2024. Zulfiqar, who has featured in one ODI and seven T20Is, made a notable impact in New Zealand, scoring 41 runs in a successful chase of 128 – Pakistan’s first-ever T20I victory against New Zealand Women. Fatima Sana will continue to lead the 15-player squad, which is currently undergoing a training camp. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the squad was selected based on players’ fitness and performances in the ongoing preparatory matches and practice sessions. The Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers will be held in Lahore from April 9 to 19, featuring six teams: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies. The top two teams from the qualifiers will secure a spot in the ODI World Cup, which will take place in India later this year. If Pakistan qualify, their matches will be held in either the UAE or Sri Lanka due to an ICC agreement ensuring India and Pakistan play their ICC tournament games at neutral venues until 2027 when one of the countries is the host.