Pakistan women players to feature in T20 tournament in Dubai

Pakistan's emerging women cricketer Fatima Sana will feature in a T20 competition in Dubai. The 20-year old all-rounder will be accompanied by compatriots Diana Baig and Aliya Riaz.

The mega T20 event is set to commence from May 1, the tournament will include players from 35 countries, including Bhutan, Brazil and Vanuatu.

Big names like Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) and Suzie Bates (New Zealand) will also be seen in action.

Fairbreak has organized the tournament to provide opportunities for female cricketers around the globe to showcase their talent. A total of 19 matches will be played for around 15 days.

There is no confirmation of participation of the Indian cricketers – Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj, as their availability is dependent on BCCI's NOCs. 

Another reason for the absence of top Indian players from the extravagant tournament could be the clash with their domestic T20 tournament.

Fairbreak was initiated by ex-Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar and Shaun Martyn to expand cricket for women after the 2013 World Cup.

The organization has arranged matches with WBBL teams in the past, but this is the first time they have taken a step forward for a massive tournament.

Fairbreak Invitational is the concept of Hong Kong Cricket, and it was initially planned to be held in Hong Kong but was shifted to the UAE due to the Covid-19 situation.
  
 "There's never been a cricket tournament like it," Martyn told BBC Stumped.
 
"As far as I know, there's never been 36 (35, if the Indians don't take part) countries involved in any team sporting event outside of an Olympic Games. Over the years, we've identified and unearthed a lot of talent in Associate nations that you don't get to see because there's not the opportunity for them to play," Martyn added.
 
 It is expected that around 40 players from full-Member countries will take part in the event, and 50 players from associate countries will be involved as well. 

Team Tornadoes will be led by Taylor, including big names such as Devine, Diana Baig, Aliya Riaz, Katey Martin, and a handful of Hong Kong players.
 
Mohtashim Rasheed, the former head coach of the Pakistan women's team, will also be part of the event. The tournament will be broadcasted broadly and is planned to be held biannually.