The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 qualifiers is all set to begin tomorrow. Six teams will compete with each other in Pakistan. Two spots for this 50-ver version of the event, which is scheduled to take place later this year, are going to be confirmed through the qualifier. Apart from Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand are the five other teams.
Pakistan will begin their campaign tomorrow against Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. They are coming off after two comprehensive wins in warm-up games vs Thailand and West Indies. Ahead of the tournament opener, Pakistan skipper, Fatima Sana, had an exclusive chat with RevSportz where she opened up on the preparation, importance of the tournament, playing at home conditions and a lot more.
She highlighted the value of their long-term preparation. “We have been doing camps for many months now, and that has helped build confidence among everyone. Every member has that belief in them now, and that was the aim, that every player should have that belief in their respective roles,” she said. Fatima stressed that the team has clarity, and that has played a key role in helping them rediscover their rhythm.
For the Latest Sports News: Follow RevSportz
🚨EXCLUSIVE🚨
“Every member in the team has that belief in them now, and that was the aim.” – Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s Women’s skipper ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier.
Tomorrow, they will begin their campaign vs Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium.… pic.twitter.com/H05Yv3DkZO
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 8, 2025
Speaking about playing in home conditions, Fatima was clear that it brings more motivation than pressure. “Whenever the crowd comes, it boosts you. The best part that we have enjoyed so far is that wherever we are playing, people are there to support us. So, we hope the same this time around —that fans will turn up to support us, and we can gift them wins.”
Reflecting on the significance of Pakistan hosting such a major tournament, she pointed out its potential impact on the future of women’s cricket in the country. “What I have witnessed here is that not many girls get considered for playing cricket. So, when a big ICC tournament takes place, it will always help people and parents to encourage their girls to take up the sport. Regarding that opportunity, it can help, and it can also help more people to know about our women’s team,” she explained. Fatima added that events like these also inspire the players, as they want to do well in front of the home crowd.
On the topic of spin, Fatima underlined the importance of Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, who impressed during the warm-up matches. “Both these players are going to be very crucial, and they have been delivering top performances for a long time now. They also motivate me by saying that they will try their best to help the team with their bowling, and it helps me ease out the pressure situations,” she said. Their experience, she noted, is especially valuable for the younger players in the squad.
Finally, addressing the conditions they expect to face in the qualifiers, especially the impact of dew in the two day-night matches (against West Indies and Bangladesh), Fatima was confident it wouldn’t be a major factor. “As of now, there is no such dew here because it is very hot. So, hopefully, it might not have any impact. Also, we have been playing in these conditions for a long time, and we have that idea now,” she said. However, she acknowledged that the pitch could behave differently in day and day-night games, something the team is prepared to adapt to.
Also Read: Rating of Top Indian stars in WPL 2025