Rashada Williams to lead West Indies 'A' in historic tour of Pakistan

West Indies Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday (October 11) for the historic West Indies 'A' tour of Pakistan. The tour will commence on October 24 with senior team wicketkeeper and top-order batter, Rashada Williams leading West Indies 'A' against Pakistan 'A'.

This is the first time ever that the West Indies 'A' Team will be touring Pakistan. The series will include three 50-over matches against Pakistan 'A'. This will be followed by a T20 tri-series featuring Pakistan  'A' and Thailand.

Allrounder Ashmini Munisar will take up the vice-captain's role and former Australian cricketer Shane Deitz will lead the team as head coach. 

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Lead selector Ann Browne-John believes that the tour is a welcome addition to the playing calendar. "It is a perfect opportunity for the developing players to get some international experience. The team is a combination of players who participated in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup and players who have just started to establish themselves in the Senior Team set-up, some of whom are in Australia for the ongoing series," she said.

On the appointment of Williams as skipper, Browne-John said, "The captain Rashada Williams has shown good leadership during the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and Women’s T20 Blaze earlier this year and recently had some good performances during the Women’s CPL." 

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Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket, PCB, said, "Women's cricket is on the rise globally, and Pakistan women’s cricket is actively taking it forward. The emerging series will not only enhance our players' skills but also encourage more investment in women's cricket infrastructure."

Mallick further added, "We extend our gratitude to West Indies and Thailand for making this tour possible. We hope this series serves as a turning point for women's cricket in Pakistan, where we see more girls pursuing their cricketing dreams."

The Pakistan 'A' emerging team will be announced soon.

West Indies 'A' Squad: Rashada Williams (C), Ashmini Munisar (VC), Jahzara Claxton, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Mandy Mangru, Shunelle Sawh