Pakistan's Women's Football Team to Include Diaspora Players for AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers

In preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, Pakistan's women's football team is making a strategic move to strengthen its squad by adding more diaspora players, according to sources familiar with the selection process.

The decision is aimed at enhancing the team's competitiveness in the upcoming tournament, with six new diaspora players expected to join the provisional squad. These players bring professional experience from European and North American leagues.

Notable inclusions in the squad are British-Pakistani midfielder Layla Banaras, formerly of Birmingham City, and Mariam Mahmood, a striker for England's West Bromwich Albion. Aqsa Mushtaq, who currently plays for Greek top-division side OFI Crete and has experience in Italy's Serie A, is set to strengthen the team's attack.

Additionally, the squad will feature Canada-based goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj (Northern Colorado Women's FC/USA WPSL), along with England-based defenders Marsha Malik (Solihull Moors) and Azwa Chaudhry (West Ham United youth team).

A source involved in the team selection process mentioned that recruiting players with experience in competitive leagues abroad is part of the strategy to elevate the team's performance ahead of the qualifiers.

The training camp is scheduled to commence in Islamabad on June 19, under the leadership of captain Maria Khan. Pakistan will be competing in Group E of the qualifiers, facing Chinese Taipei on June 29, Indonesia on July 2, and Kyrgyzstan on July 5.