KARACHI, June 18 Higher Education Commission (HEC) will play host to the National women's basketball championship at Islamabad's Pakistan Sports Complex from June 20 to 24.

According to an HEC announcement, 10 teams from across the country are expected to feature in the contest. The teams include Wapda, Police, Rangers, Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP, and two from hosts HEC 'Greens' and HEC 'Blues'. The teams will be divided into two pools and top two from each will make it to the last four.

Meanwhile, the HEC has named 12 players who were picked after trials held at Islamabad.

Saba Awan of Punjab University has been named captain. Other players include Naima Mukhtar, Shamaila Sattar, Razia Nazir, Fakhra Perveen, Rubina Kousar, Hajrah Shoaib Khan, Fareena Asghar (vice captain), Samia Ahsan, Saba Parveen, Rabia Batool and Madiha Latif.

Meanwhile, Jamila will lead Sindh team in the National women's basketball championship which gets into action in Islamabad from Saturday, secretary Ziauddin said.

Other members of the team are Sumaira Aqeel, Shama Baloch, Sumaira Amanullah, Hina Salahuddin, Madiha, Lubna, Shumaila, Humaira, Nishat, Sadia, and Maria Ishaque. Syed Shoaib Akhtar (coach), Khawala Butt (manager).—Sports Correspondent