Pakistan women’s team mentor Wahab Riaz has set his sights on a semi-final finish for the national side at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on 12 June in England and Wales.

Speaking on the 69th episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast, Riaz acknowledged shortcomings within the women’s team but remained confident about long-term progress. The former Test fast bowler also shared details of the recently concluded skills and fitness camp held at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi, where 35 women cricketers took part.

“I am grateful to the PCB for giving us the opportunity to work with the women cricketers in a month-long camp,” he said. Riaz said that the coaching group, including Imran Farhat, Abdur Rehman, Umaid Asif and Abdul Majeed, regularly observed matches and assessed player performances.

“We watched games and assessed the performances of the players. Coaching is a different philosophy, and holding a camp was essential,” he added.

He underlined the need to improve strike rotation alongside developing power-hitting skills within the squad.

During the discussion, Riaz spoke about preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of South Africa starting on February 10, the inclusion of emerging players in the touring squads, and the role of the coaching staff in maximising player output during the camp.

He also highlighted the depth of talent and potential within Pakistan women’s cricket.