The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled an exhilarating 2025-26 season for women’s cricket, blending high-stakes international tournaments with a robust domestic framework. With two ICC World Cups on the horizon—the Women’s Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka and India and the Women’s T20 World Cup in England—Pakistan’s women cricketers are set for a transformative year. Coupled with a strong focus on youth development and domestic competitions, the season promises to elevate the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan and showcase its talent on the global stage.
International Spotlight: Chasing World Cup Glory
The 2025-26 international calendar is packed with opportunities for Pakistan’s women to compete against top-tier teams and prepare for major global events. The season kicks off with a three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin from August 6-10, 2025, offering a chance to fine-tune strategies in a competitive environment.
Key International Fixtures
South Africa ODIs in Lahore: From September 16-22, 2025, Pakistan will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium, a critical preparatory step for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. These matches, part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29, will test Pakistan’s mettle against a formidable opponent.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup: From September 30 to November 2, 2025, Pakistan will compete in Sri Lanka and India, playing seven league-stage matches. A potential semi-final on October 29 and final on November 2 in Colombo could see Pakistan vying for their first-ever World Cup title.
South Africa Tour: In February-March 2026, Pakistan will travel to South Africa for three ODIs (part of the ICC Women’s Championship) and three T20Is, providing valuable exposure against a top-tier side in challenging conditions.
Zimbabwe Series: From April 24 to May 11, 2026, Pakistan will host Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is, offering a chance to dominate a developing side while securing crucial Championship points.
Ireland T20 Tri-Series: In May-June 2026, Pakistan will join Ireland and the West Indies in a T20 tri-series, a vital warm-up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
Strategic Preparation for Global Success
Head of Women’s Cricket Rafia Haider emphasized the strategic design of the international schedule: “Our players will face quality opposition to ensure thorough preparation for the World Cups.” The mix of T20Is and ODIs against diverse teams like Ireland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe allows Pakistan to adapt to different playing styles and conditions, building resilience and versatility.
Domestic Competitions: Building a Strong Foundation
The PCB’s domestic calendar is equally ambitious, aiming to nurture talent and provide competitive opportunities for both established and emerging players. Karachi will be the hub for two major tournaments, ensuring top facilities and visibility.
National Women’s One-Day Tournament
When: November 6-24, 2025
Format: A four-team, double-league competition with 15 matches
Significance: International players will participate, raising the competitive standard and offering fans a chance to see stars like Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar in action. The tournament will serve as a proving ground for World Cup selection.
National Women’s T20 Tournament
When: March 24-April 17, 2026
Format: A five-team, double-league event with 23 fixtures
Significance: This tournament will prepare players for the T20 World Cup, focusing on fast-paced, aggressive cricket. It also provides a platform for young players to shine alongside national team members.
Departmental Tournament Initiative
The PCB is in talks to introduce a women’s departmental tournament, a groundbreaking move to expand playing opportunities. This initiative could mirror the success of Pakistan’s men’s domestic structure, offering professional contracts and greater exposure for women cricketers.
Pathways to Greatness: Investing in the Future
The PCB’s commitment to youth development is evident in its Pathways program, designed to groom the next generation of stars. The cornerstone is the National Women’s U19 T20 Tournament, set for September 15 to October 6, 2025, in Karachi. Top performers will attend a three-week skills camp, followed by a pre-departure camp for a five-match T20 series in Bangladesh in December 2025.
Why Pathways Matter
Talent Identification: The U19 tournament will unearth new talent, ensuring a steady pipeline for the senior team.
International Exposure: The Bangladesh tour will expose young players to international conditions, fostering adaptability and confidence.
Long-Term Vision: Rafia Haider noted, “Our Pathways structure is evolving to build a strong future for Pakistan women’s cricket.” This focus on youth aligns with the PCB’s goal of sustained success at the global level.
Additionally, an Inter-University tournament in October 2025 will engage university students, broadening the talent pool and promoting cricket at the grassroots level.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the 2025-26 season is packed with promise, challenges remain:
World Cup Pressure: Competing in two ICC World Cups within a year is a massive test. Pakistan’s historical struggles in global tournaments—never advancing beyond the group stage in T20 World Cups—add pressure to perform.
Logistical Hurdles: Hosting multiple domestic tournaments in Karachi requires robust infrastructure and coordination, especially with international players involved.
Player Workload: Balancing domestic and international commitments, particularly for players involved in both World Cups, will test the team’s depth and fitness.
However, the opportunities are immense. The World Cup campaigns offer a chance to make history, while domestic tournaments will elevate the visibility of women’s cricket in Pakistan. The Pathways program ensures a sustainable talent pipeline, potentially producing the next Sana Mir or Javeria Khan.
Elevating Women’s Cricket in Pakistan
The PCB’s 2025-26 calendar reflects a bold vision to transform women’s cricket into a mainstream sport in Pakistan. By combining high-profile international matches with competitive domestic events, the board is creating a holistic ecosystem that nurtures talent, engages fans, and builds national pride. The inclusion of major venues like Gaddafi Stadium for the South Africa series underscores the PCB’s commitment to showcasing women’s cricket on the biggest stages.
Rafia Haider’s leadership is pivotal. Her focus on “consistent and meaningful playing opportunities” signals a shift from sporadic engagements to a structured, long-term strategy. The potential departmental tournament could further professionalize the sport, offering financial stability and career paths for women cricketers.
A Season of Ambition and Opportunity
The 2025-26 season is a defining moment for Pakistan women’s cricket. With a packed international calendar featuring two World Cups, competitive series against Ireland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and a robust domestic structure, the PCB is laying the groundwork for global success. The Pathways program ensures a bright future, while initiatives like the departmental tournament could revolutionize the sport’s landscape in Pakistan. As the women in green take on the world, fans can expect a season of thrilling performances, emerging stars, and, hopefully, historic triumphs
