What happened: When the Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee unveiled its 23-member roster for the regional tournament in Nepal on Aug 26, Maria was named captain of the country’s first women’s football team in over eight years. What you need to know: The tournament begins on September 6, and Maria will make her international debut against India the following day, after FIFA overturned the suspension of the All India Football Federation. About Maria: Maria transitioned from goalie in the United States to midfielder in the United Arab Emirates, while simultaneously representing Wapda in the National Championships in 2018 and 2019 as her performances elevated her to national prominence.