PCB Unveils Packed 2025–26 Calendar for Pakistan Women’s Cricket
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the Women’s Cricket calendar for the 2025–26 season, marking a significant leap forward in its commitment to developing and promoting women’s cricket in the country. The newly announced schedule is both extensive and ambitious, featuring a balanced mix of international series, ICC tournaments, and domestic competitions aimed at enhancing player performance, providing exposure, and building a strong bench of emerging talent.
A Busy International Season Ahead
At the international level, the season begins in August 2025 with Pakistan touring Ireland for a three-match T20I series. This series not only sets the tone for the season but also serves as a preparatory ground for the much-anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to be played from 30 September to 2 November in either Sri Lanka or India.
Following the Ireland tour, Pakistan will host South Africa for three ODIs at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from 16 to 22 September 2025. These matches are expected to draw large crowds, especially as they precede a major world event. The home series will be crucial in testing the team’s readiness for high-stakes competition.
After the World Cup, the women’s team will tour South Africa again in early 2026 for three ODIs and three T20Is between 7 February and 2 March. The year will close with a home series against Zimbabwe, consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is, scheduled from 24 April to 11 May 2026. These games offer a golden opportunity for Pakistan to solidify its rankings and integrate newer players into the squad.
Additionally, a T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Ireland, and the West Indies will take place in Ireland in May–June 2026, adding another layer of competitive cricket before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, which runs from 12 June to 5 July.
Strengthening the Domestic Circuit
In parallel to the international fixtures, the PCB has placed heavy emphasis on domestic development, particularly for under-19 and university-level cricketers. The domestic calendar begins with the National U19 T20 Tournament in Karachi, from 15 September to 6 October 2025, aimed at identifying young female talent from across the country.
Later in the year, in November 2025, Karachi will again host the National Women’s One-Day Tournament, featuring top domestic sides and offering crucial 50-over match experience to players eyeing national selection.
To boost competition and scouting opportunities in academic institutions, the HEC Inter-University Women’s Cricket Championship is also scheduled for October 2025, with dates and venues to be announced later.
The domestic season will conclude with the National Women’s T20 Tournament, to be played from 24 March to 17 April 2026, again in Karachi, showcasing top-tier domestic talent and acting as a selection platform for upcoming international tours.
Youth Pathways and International Exposure
In a notable development, the Pakistan U19 Women’s Team is set to tour Bangladesh in December 2025 for a five-match T20 series. This tour will be instrumental in providing international exposure to younger players and aligning them with the skill and temperament required for elite cricket.
Rafia Haider, the newly appointed Head of Women’s Cricket at PCB, expressed optimism about the season:
“This calendar is a major step forward in ensuring consistent international and domestic match experience for our women cricketers. The robust schedule across all levels demonstrates our commitment to the holistic development of the game.”
Building for the Future
With the dual focus on high-performance competition and talent development, the PCB’s 2025–26 calendar reflects a strategic vision. By ensuring that female cricketers are active almost year-round, the board is addressing past challenges such as long gaps between competitive games and lack of structured progression for youth players.
Moreover, the calendar aligns with global standards, ensuring Pakistan’s women remain competitively engaged in the lead-up to global events like the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It’s also an opportunity for emerging stars to rise—especially with several international retirements on the horizon and the ever-changing landscape of women’s cricket globally.
Conclusion
The 2025–26 season promises to be a transformative period for Pakistan women’s cricket. From major ICC events and international tours to grassroots and youth initiatives, the PCB’s roadmap signals a bright and competitive future. If executed effectively, this comprehensive calendar could not only elevate Pakistan’s standing in international women’s cricket but also inspire the next generation of female athletes across the country.
Reference: خواتین کرکٹ سیزن 26-2025 کا کیلنڈر جاری کر دیا گیا