The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reneged on its previous commitment made almost three years ago to establish a women’s T20 competition. Furthermore, the board has also ceased the organization of exhibition matches on the eve of the commencement of the ninth season of the PSL (Pakistan Super League).
In 2023, three exhibition matches took place, showcasing players from countries such as South Africa, England, and New Zealand. However, these matches will not be included in the schedule for 2024.
Regarding the same matter, Tania Mallick, the head of the PCB women’s wing, expressed her opinion that the management committee, under the leadership of Zaka Ashraf, was unwilling to provide funding for a women’s T20 league.
“Based on my perception, it seemed that they lacked the confidence or authority to make significant financial choices.” The message communicated to us was that the next committee and administration expressed their reluctance to perform the task mentioned. The impediment lies outside the purview of our control or the jurisdiction of the financial officers inside the PCB. According to Tania Mallick’s statement to ESPNcricinfo, it was the interim management committee that lacked willingness to commit.
“I am not experiencing frustration with my management, as they are all in agreement regarding the necessity of establishing a league.” Despite thorough planning by the PSL department, our plans were abruptly discarded at the final moment. This occurred during the final stages of the Zaka regime. “It was highly disappointing for all of us and I consistently conveyed this to the girls,” she added.
Ideally, we can strategize for an extended duration: Tania Mallick
In addition, Tania Mallick expressed her optimism about the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Following Mohsin Naqvi’s appointment as PCB chairman for a three-year tenure earlier this week, Mallick expressed the view that they will have the opportunity to strategize for an extended duration.
“With the arrival of the new chairman, we hope to strategize for a more extended duration. The higher management has consistently emphasized that our lack of support is not the issue; we certainly endorse it. However, we intend to implement it as soon as we have a more stable foundation,” stated Mallick.
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