The captains of the eight participating nations have outlined their ambitions ahead of the DP World Women’s Asia Cup 2026, with defending champions Sri Lanka, hosts the UAE and regional heavyweights India and Pakistan all signalling their intent to challenge for the title.
The pre-tournament captains’ press conference at Dubai International Stadium brought together representatives from Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the UAE.
The Women’s Asia Cup trophy was also unveiled during the event by Jose Pereira, General Manager – Finance at the Asian Cricket Council.
While India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to begin among the leading contenders, the tournament also represents an important opportunity for the competition’s emerging teams. For Indonesia, it will be a landmark first appearance at the Women’s Asia Cup.
Indonesia captain Nanda Sakarini described the team’s qualification as a historic moment and said the tournament would offer her players valuable exposure against some of Asia’s strongest sides.
UAE determined to enjoy home advantage
UAE captain Esha Oza said the host nation would treat the opportunity to compete at home as a source of excitement rather than pressure.
With friends, families and local supporters able to watch the team live, Oza believes the home crowd can provide additional motivation throughout the tournament.
Esha Rohit Oza, Captain of UAE during the press conference ahead of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on August 27, 2026.
She said the UAE’s priority would be to play its best cricket, enjoy the occasion and avoid becoming distracted by external expectations.
The competition also gives the hosts another opportunity to measure their development against some of the most established teams in women’s cricket.
India prepared for weight of expectation
India arrive in Dubai carrying considerable expectations after winning the ODI World Cup and producing a strong performance at the T20 World Cup.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the squad had worked hard over recent months and would focus on executing its plans while playing a positive and recognisable brand of cricket.
Kaur also acknowledged the responsibility India’s players carry as some of the most visible figures in the women’s game, particularly for young girls who look to them for inspiration.
Harmanpreet Kaur, Captain of India and Chamari Athapaththu, Captain of Sri Lanka during the press conference ahead of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on August 27, 2026.
The anticipated meeting between India and Pakistan is expected to attract one of the tournament’s largest crowds.
Reflecting on the teams’ previous encounter in the UAE, Kaur recalled the packed stadium and said she hoped supporters would turn out in similarly large numbers during this edition.
Asked about concerns raised by a former captain over the composition of the squad, Kaur defended the selection and said the players chosen had earned their places through impressive performances.
Dubai’s hot and humid conditions are also likely to influence team planning, although the India captain did not reveal whether the weather would lead to changes in the playing combination.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka target the trophy
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana made the team’s ambition clear, saying Pakistan had come to the UAE determined to win the Asia Cup.
The squad’s previous experience of training and playing in the country could prove useful, with several players already familiar with the conditions at the venue.
Fatima Sana Khan, Captain of Pakistan during the press conference ahead of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on August 27, 2026.
Sana also reflected on her recent franchise experience, where she had the opportunity to play alongside leading international cricketers. She described it as an important part of her development and said it had allowed her to learn from some of the best players in the game.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, enter the competition as defending champions.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu said the team would concentrate on consistently executing its plans across the tournament, while also enjoying the experience of competing together.
Having already demonstrated their ability to overcome the region’s traditional leading sides, Sri Lanka will be looking to defend the title and reinforce their position among Asia’s strongest teams.
Bangladesh ready to turn close defeats into wins
Bangladesh also made clear that they intend to challenge the tournament’s leading nations rather than simply make up the numbers.
After suffering several narrow defeats during the World Cup, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty said the team must become better at handling decisive moments and converting close contests into victories.
Bangladesh are expected to adopt a more aggressive approach as they look to close the gap on the region’s top-ranked teams.
Emerging teams look beyond results
For Thailand, Hong Kong China and Indonesia, the Women’s Asia Cup carries significance beyond the immediate results.
Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai acknowledged that cricket remains relatively unknown in the country but said the players’ love for the sport continued to drive the national team.
Hong Kong China stand-in captain Maryam Bibi expressed similar hopes that competing on a major regional stage would encourage more young girls to take up cricket. Grassroots and school-based programmes are already being used to introduce the game to a wider audience.
Indonesia captain Nanda Sakarini also sees the country’s maiden Asia Cup appearance as an opportunity to increase cricket’s visibility at home and gain experience that can support the national team’s long-term development.
The presence of these emerging nations alongside established sides is an indication of the widening reach of women’s cricket across Asia.
Women’s Asia Cup begins with Hong Kong China against Thailand
The tournament begins on Friday, 28 August, when Hong Kong China face Thailand at Dubai International Stadium. The match is scheduled to start at 6.30pm UAE time.
Hosts UAE begin their campaign against defending champions Sri Lanka on Saturday, 29 August, before India play their opening match against Thailand the following evening.
Bangladesh face tournament debutants Indonesia on 31 August, while Pakistan begin their campaign against Thailand on 1 September.
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage will take place on 5 September, when India face Pakistan in Dubai.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups, with India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong China in Group A. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the UAE and Indonesia make up Group B.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be played on 10 and 11 September. The Women’s Asia Cup final is scheduled for 13 September at Dubai International Stadium.
With Dubai’s large and diverse expatriate population expected to support teams from across the continent, the tournament is likely to provide both a competitive stage and an important showcase for the continued growth of the women’s game.
