PCB’s 2025-26 Women’s Cricket Calendar: A Game-Changing Move for Pakistan Women’s Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally rolled out its most comprehensive women’s cricket calendar for 2025-26. Packed with international tours, domestic tournaments, and crucial World Cup preparations, this new roadmap is being hailed as a turning point for Pakistan’s women’s cricket. Here’s an in-depth look at why this calendar is creating so much buzz and what it means for the future of the game.

Why This Calendar Matters?

Women’s cricket in Pakistan has long struggled due to inconsistent scheduling and lack of exposure. With back-to-back international tours, domestic tournaments, and a clear development pathway for youngsters, this calendar aims to bring Pakistani women’s cricket closer to global standards. The timing couldn’t be better, with two major ICC events — the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 — just around the corner.

Full Schedule of the 2025-26 Women’s Cricket Season

International Fixtures

• T20I Tour to Ireland: 3-match series in Dublin from 6–10 August 2025.
• Home ODI Series vs. South Africa: 3 ODIs in Lahore on 16, 19 & 22 September 2025.
• ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: League-stage matches in Sri Lanka and India from 30 September to 24 October 2025, with semi-finals and finals running till 2 November 2025.
• South Africa Tour: 3 ODIs + 3 T20Is in South Africa from 7 February to 2 March 2026.
• Zimbabwe Home Series: 3 ODIs + 3 T20Is in Lahore and Karachi from 24 April to 11 May 2026.
• Tri-Series in Ireland: A preparation series before the T20 World Cup 2026 from 12 June to 5 July 2026.

Domestic & Developmental Tournaments

• Women’s U19 T20 Tournament: Karachi, 15 September–6 October 2025.
• Inter-University Women’s Tournament: Across Pakistan, October 2025.
• National Women’s One-Day Tournament: Karachi, 6–24 November 2025.
• National Women’s T20 Tournament: Karachi, 24 March–17 April 2026.

How This Impacts Pakistan Women’s Cricket

This aggressive scheduling signals PCB’s commitment to raise the standards of women’s cricket. With more international exposure and domestic competitive matches, Pakistan’s women’s team will get the much-needed game time to compete with global powerhouses like Australia, England, and India.

Domestic tournaments, especially the U19 T20 and Inter-University competitions, will help unearth young talent. Names like Ayesha Naseem and Muneeba Ali are already being groomed as potential match-winners for the upcoming World Cups.

Star Players to Watch

Key Pakistani stars like Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, and Fatima Sana will carry the bulk of the responsibility, while youngsters like Sadia Iqbal and Ayesha Naseem are expected to shine in the World Cups.

Final Thoughts

The PCB’s 2025-26 women’s cricket calendar is more than just a schedule — it’s a statement of intent. If executed well, it could mark the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s women’s cricket history, possibly taking them closer to their dream of lifting an ICC trophy.

FAQs

1. When does Pakistan women’s cricket team play its first match in 2025?

Their first scheduled match is the T20I series against Ireland, starting on 6 August 2025.

2. Will Pakistan participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?

Yes, Pakistan is confirmed to participate and will play league-stage matches in India and Sri Lanka.

3. Are there any domestic tournaments for young women players?

Yes, the U19 T20 Tournament and Inter-University Women’s Tournament are designed specifically to develop new talent.

4. Who are the players to watch out for in 2025-26?

Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, and Fatima Sana are the key experienced players, while Ayesha Naseem is expected to be the breakout star.

5. What is the PCB’s long-term goal with this schedule?

The main goal is to prepare a competitive team for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026, while building a strong domestic pipeline for future stars.