Pakistan Women Cricketers Train Hard at the NCA for an Action-Packed Season Ahead

As the sweltering Lahore sun beams down on the National Cricket Academy (NCA), a select group of Pakistan’s finest women cricketers are hard at work, not for accolades or applause, but for excellence. It’s the off-season for Pakistan in international cricket, but for Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, and their teammates, there’s no such thing as downtime.

Their efforts are not only a testament to their individual commitment but also a reflection of the growing ambition and professionalism within Pakistan women’s cricket as the team readies itself for an action-packed international season, featuring a tour to Ireland and the much-anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

With 73 ODIs and 99 T20Is to her name, all-rounder Aliya Riaz brings experience and leadership to the fore. At the training camp, Aliya embodies the team’s pledge to put country and fans first.

She shares, “We are ensuring that we play according to the team’s requirements while keeping in mind the expectations of our fans. We strive to represent Pakistan in the best possible manner.” Aliya’s focus goes beyond nets and drills; it’s about cultivating a culture of responsibility and unity; a theme echoed in every training session at the NCA.

Spin, the art of subtlety and precision, has always been a Pakistani forte. Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, the team’s left-arm spin duo, have been relentless in pursuit of mastery. Nashra draws inspiration from Sadia’s recent climb to the top of the T20I bowling rankings: “It is a proud moment for all of us to see one of our teammates achieve this milestone. It brings a different level of energy and morale to the unit, knowing we have bowlers among us capable of being the world’s best.”

Sadia’s rise is no accident. She credits her calm temperament and intensive sessions with coach Abdur Rehman, as well as challenging herself by bowling to seasoned male players, for her evolution as a pressure specialist. “I try to remain calm and composed in pressure situations. Training with the men’s players at the camp has contributed greatly to my development.”

The off-season grind at the NCA is more than routine preparation; it’s a blueprint for success and a symbol of Pakistan’s growing ambitions in women’s cricket. Aaliyah Riaz, the energy from Nashra and Sadia, and the collective determination resonate through every drill.

With a new season on the horizon, starting with the high-stakes T20I tour to Ireland and culminating in the World Cup challenge in Sri Lanka, the hours of sweat and sacrifice at the NCA may well become the foundation of Pakistan’s breakthrough moments on the world stage.

As Pakistan’s women cricketers lace up for their next international exploits, their preparation is a stirring reminder that while matches may be won on the field, champions are forged in the crucible of the off-season.

Pakistan’s Women’s Cricket Team Upcoming Matches:

Ireland Women vs Pakistan Women

*All games will be played at Belfast Cricket Ground

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

*All games will be played at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

(Quotes sourced from PCB Official Press Release)

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