Pakistan squad to feature diaspora players for Women's Asia Cup qualifiers

KARACHI: Pakistan's women's national football team is poised to integrate a larger contingent of diaspora players into its squad ahead of the crucial AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, in a bid to bolster its competitiveness.

According to sources familiar with the selection process, while an official announcement is still pending, a provisional squad understood to be in preparation reportedly includes six new diaspora players, all bringing professional experience from various European and North American leagues.

This move underscores the management's determination to field a formidable side in the upcoming tournament.

Among the prominent names expected to join the ranks are British-Pakistani midfielder Layla Banaras, who previously played for Birmingham City, and Mariam Mahmood, a striker currently with England's West Bromwich Albion. Their inclusion is anticipated to inject valuable professional acumen into the midfield and attacking lines.

Further strengthening the team's offensive capabilities is Aqsa Mushtaq. Currently plying her trade for Greek top-division side OFI Crete, Mushtaq also boasts prior experience in Italy's prestigious Serie A, suggesting a significant boost to Pakistan's attacking prowess.

The squad also includes Canada-based goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj (Northern Colorado Women's FC/USA WPSL), who previously played in Portugal's top league, along with England-based defenders Marsha Malik (Solihull Moors) and Azwa Chaudhry (West Ham United youth team).

A source close to the team selection said, "Bringing in players with competitive league experience abroad is part of the plan to raise the team's level before the qualifiers."

The training camp is likely to begin in Islamabad on June 19, with captain Maria Khan leading the 22-player provisional squad. Pakistan will compete in Group E of the qualifiers, facing Chinese Taipei (June 29), Indonesia (July 2), and Kyrgyzstan (July 5).

Provisional Squad for camp: Alia Sadiq, Amina Hanif, Anmol Hira, Aqsa Mushtaq , Azwa Chaudhry, Isra Khan, Jennah Farooki, Layla Banaras, Maria Khan (Captain), Mariam Mahmood, Nadia Khan, Nisha Ashraf, Nizalia Siddiqui, Rameen Fareed, Sanah Mehdi, Sara Khan, Sophiya Qureshi, Suha Hirani, Zeeyana Jivraj, Zehmena Malik, Marsha Malik and Zufia Nazeer.