The National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 commences on Friday, presenting a crucial opportunity for 80 of the nation”s cricketers to stake their claim for a spot in the national side ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The 17-day competition will begin with defending champions Stars, led by leg-spinner Tuba Hassan, facing off against Challengers at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground. The opening fixture is scheduled for a 10am start.
The Challengers will be captained by seasoned fast bowler Diana Baig. The other three participating teams-Conquerors, Invincibles, and Strikers-will be skippered by prominent Pakistan internationals Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Nashra Sundhu, respectively.
Structured on a double-league basis, the 21-match event ensures each of the five teams, comprising 16 players per squad, plays at least eight matches. The top two sides on the points table will advance to the final. Matches are set to be held across three venues: Bagh-e-Jinnah, Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, and LCCA Ground.
A total prize fund of PKR 3.3 million is on offer, with the victorious team set to receive PKR 1.5 million and the runners-up pocketing PKR one million.
The tournament serves as a vital proving ground for talent evaluation before Pakistan’s upcoming international assignments, which include a home series against Zimbabwe, a T20I tri-series in Ireland, and the T20 World Cup in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July.
Diana Baig, skipper of Challengers, highlighted the event”s importance for World Cup preparations. “This event is important in the lead-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It also provides a valuable platform for youngsters to showcase their skills and push for national selection,” she stated.
Conquerors” captain Fatima Sana, who also leads the national white-ball team, emphasised her role in fostering new talent. “Tournaments like these provide a platform for women cricketers to come forward and perform for Pakistan. We will closely monitor performances here,” Sana said.
Muneeba Ali of Invincibles noted the benefits of an extended competition format. “A long season with multiple matches ensures equal opportunities for all players. It allows individuals to bounce back and make an impact,” she commented.
Leading the defending champion Stars, Tuba Hassan spoke about starting the campaign strongly. “The first match is always important to build momentum. As defending champions, we will look to play good cricket and take the team forward.”
Strikers” leader Nashra Sundhu expressed her focus on preparing players for the international stage. “Our objective is to implement our plans in domestic cricket and prepare players for international challenges… We want players to have clarity in their roles and be ready for those opportunities,” she explained.
The final of the competition is scheduled for Sunday, 12 April, at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground and will be live-streamed on the PCB”s official YouTube channel.