ACC announces Emerging Women’s Asia Cup 2023 schedule

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Cricket Hong Kong (CHK) have announced the inaugural edition of the ACC Emerging Women's Asia Cup 2023. Hong Kong will host the event at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground from June 12 to 21. The event features India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Notably, the full-member nations will compete in the tournament with their U-23 or A squads.

Meanwhile, Following the unveiling of the Emerging Women's Asia Cup 2023 schedule, ACC president Jay Shah stated that the board's vision for regional cricket includes equal opportunities for women to exhibit their skills and propel the sport to new heights. He said that the tournament is a fantastic platform for young female cricketers to compete and improve.

“Asian Cricket Council’s vision for cricket in the region includes creating equal opportunities for women to showcase their talent and take the sport to new heights. The Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 in Hong Kong is a great platform for young women cricketers to compete and grow, and we are committed to developing women’s cricket in Asia to ensure a bright future for the sport," Shah said.

Cricket Hong Kong expressed their delight on being selected by the ACC as hosts for the event. “It is an incredible event that will not only showcase one of the best teams in women’s cricket in Asia but will also provide a platform for the development of women’s cricket across the region,” CHK chief Burji Shroff said.

Emerging Women’s Asia Cup 2023 Groups

Group A: India A, Pakistan A, Thailand A, Hong Kong

Group B: Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Malaysia, Hong Kong

Fatima Sana to lead Pakistan

The Pakistan national women's selection committee has announced a 14-member squad for the tournament. Fatima Sana has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team in the forthcoming competition. Notably, four members of the squad competed in the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Sana made her Pakistan debut at the age of 18. The 21-year-old has played 24 T20Is for Pakistan and has claimed 17 T20I wickets in 23 senior national team games. Her mix of knowledge and experience makes her a perfect candidate for the captaincy in the upcoming tournament. 

“We have some outstanding talent coming up and it was a tough call to select 14 players. I want to tell those cricketers who have not been selected for this tournament to keep their heads high and keep working hard and they will definitely get chances in the upcoming events," Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar said.

“We have been observing these players since the camp in Multan and we have tested them in different conditions, with their most recent challenge being the three T20 matches against our top international players. “Fatima Sana has displayed some outstanding leadership credentials in domestic tournaments recently, and I am sure she will lead this side with example,” he added.

Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (c), Anoosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Gulrukh, Lubina Behram, Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfigar, Syeda Aroob Shar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Yusra Amir

Reserves: Amber Kainat, Dua Majid, Fatima Khan, Rameen Shamim