The countdown is officially on! From Big Names to Bold Picks: Every Squad Unpacked for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. And now that squads are rolling in, fans can finally start their favorite pre-tournament ritual: squad stalking. Who cut? Who got left out? And which fresh faces might just light up the World Cup stage? Let’s take a deep dive into the squads we know so far and see what stories are already beginning to unfold.
Experience vs Fresh Blood – Striking the Balance
One of the most exciting parts of squad announcements is seeing how teams juggle veterans with rising stars. Bangladesh, for instance, has taken a bold step by handing a World Cup ticket to uncapped keeper-batter Rubya Haider, alongside youngsters Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter from the U19 setup.
For England, the mantra is simple—trust the veterans, as Nat Sciver-Brunt captains a lineup fans know all too well. Yes, there are some changes with the inclusion of relative newcomers Sarah Glenn, who returns from omission in last year’s World Cup, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who has re-emerged as a selecting option. Selectors clearly used a core group of players but substituted just the right amount of new energy to manufacture a new focus.
And then we have India. The biggest talking point? Ridiculously, no Shafali Verma. Correct. India’s selectors showed faith in Pratika Rawal, backing her to continue with Mandhana at the top of the order. It’s a brave call and shows India’s belief in consistency.
The Drama of Big Omissions
Every World Cup squad has that one head-scratcher—the omission that sparks endless debates on social media. For South Africa, it’s Dane van Niekerk. After unretiring and showing up to the training camp, many fans thought the former skipper was a shoo-in. Instead, the selectors stuck with a familiar, stable unit led by Laura Wolvaardt. It’s a tough pill for fans who hoped for a fairytale comeback, but perhaps the Proteas just didn’t want to shake things up before the biggest stage of all.
Leaving Shafali out feels like a shocker on paper, but it’s a move rooted in strategy. Sometimes selectors go with form, sometimes with gut. And sometimes, it’s just about picking players who fit the plan for specific conditions.
The X-Factor Question
Every squad has that one player who can change the course of a game single-handedly. For Pakistan, uncapped batter Eyman Fatima could be that wildcard. Rewarded for her domestic brilliance, she’ll walk into the World Cup with no baggage—and that makes her dangerous.
South Africa’s X-factor might just be Karabo Meso, the 17-year-old wicketkeeper who’s already cut her teeth at two U19 World Cups. Thrown into the senior squad, she could provide the kind of youthful spark that turns pressure into opportunity.
And, of course, don’t ignore the ‘famous faces.’ Mandhana’s style for India, Sciver-Brunt’s captaincy for England, Marizanne Kapp’s two-way value proposition for South Africa: it will always be the stars who capture headlines. Yet history shows us World Cups are made by surprises: a flat inning, a debut spell, a name we did not know before.
FAQs
- Who is leading England’s squad?
Nat Sciver-Brunt has been named captain.
- Who will captain Pakistan in the tournament?
Allrounder Fatima Sana has been given the captaincy.
- Which experienced player missed out for South Africa?
Former captain Dane van Niekerk was left out despite coming out of retirement.
