ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026: Teams, Groups and Schedule

The ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will bring together ten teams, including five Full Members, in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. The second edition will feature 30 T20 International matches across two venues, providing emerging players with opportunities to compete against a wider range of international opponents.

Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will represent the ICC’s Full Members, while the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and hosts UAE complete the lineup.

The tournament has expanded from eight teams in 2025 to ten this year. Thailand return as defending champions after winning the inaugural edition on home soil, while Pakistan will make their first appearance in the competition.

ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 Groups and Format

The participating teams have been divided into two groups of five, with each side scheduled to play four matches during the opening stage. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six, where they will face the three qualifying teams from the opposite group.

The two highest-ranked teams in the Super Six standings will contest the final on November 25.

The competition will consist of 20 group-stage matches, nine Super Six fixtures and the final. Matches will be played at Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground and Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman.

The group stage runs from November 12 to 18, followed by Super Six matches on November 20, 22 and 23.

ICC General Manager of Events and Operations Gaurav Saxena highlighted the importance of the expanded tournament.

“Bringing together five Full Members and five Associate Members will create valuable opportunities for players to test themselves against a wider range of opposition and gain experience in a high-performance environment,” Saxena said.

Pakistan Name Muneeba Ali Captain for Tournament Debut

Pakistan will compete under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali, who has been appointed captain of a 14-player squad. Regular skipper Fatima Sana will miss the tournament because of her commitments with Perth Scorchers in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Ayesha Zafar has been named vice-captain.

Muneeba has previously captained Pakistan in four T20Is and one ODI. Her squad retains 12 players from the team that secured bronze at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar returning after missing that competition.

Experienced left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will lead Pakistan’s spin attack, supported by Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Momina Riasat. Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar provide pace-bowling options.

The squad also includes batters Gull Feroza, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Eyman Fatima, Saira Jabeen and Eman Naseer, giving Pakistan a combination of established internationals and emerging players.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026

Muneeba Ali (captain, wicketkeeper), Ayesha Zafar (vice-captain), Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.

Pakistan’s Group B Fixtures and Schedule

Pakistan will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on November 12 at Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground before facing defending champions Thailand the following day.

Their remaining group-stage fixtures are against the Netherlands on November 15 and Zimbabwe on November 16.

All times are local UAE time.

Pakistan’s opening fixtures against Bangladesh and Thailand will provide important early tests. With only four group-stage matches, consistent performances will be essential to secure one of the three Super Six qualification places.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Confirm Captains

Several participating teams have announced their squads and begun preparations for the tournament.

Sri Lanka will be led by Harshitha Samarawickrama in the absence of regular captain Chamari Athapaththu, while Nahida Akter will captain Bangladesh after recently replacing Nigar Sultana.

Both teams will use the competition to assess their squad depth and provide additional international experience to players ahead of future assignments.

Sri Lanka open their Group A campaign against Ireland, while Bangladesh begin against Pakistan on November 12.

ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 Opening Matches

Four matches are scheduled for the opening day across the two Ajman venues.

Thailand will begin their title defence against the Netherlands, while Pakistan’s meeting with Bangladesh will be one of the opening Group B fixtures.

The expanded competition will give Associate Member teams opportunities to face established cricketing nations, while Full Members can assess emerging players in a competitive international environment.

ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 Key Dates

The final will take place at Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, with the two leading teams from the Super Six competing for the title.

With five Full Members and five Associate Members participating, the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will provide an expanded platform for player development and international competition.