In response to the national women’s team’s recent struggles, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reconstituted its selection committee, increasing its membership to seven. This decision follows a disappointing whitewash suffered by the team against the West Indies women’s side in a three-match one-day international (ODI) series.
The home series, which commenced on April 18, saw the visitors dominate the proceedings. In the first ODI, Pakistan was handed a crushing 113-run defeat after being bowled out for a mere 156 while chasing a target of 270. The second ODI resulted in a narrow two-wicket loss for the hosts, while they managed to salvage a solitary 88-run victory in the third and final match on April 23.
Despite the 3-0 series loss, Pakistan currently holds fifth position in the 10-team ICC Women Championship 2022-25. It is crucial for the team to maintain its ranking among the top five, as only those teams, along with hosts India, will directly qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Lower-ranked teams will have to participate in a Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament.
The reconstituted selection committee includes retained members Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal, joined by Abdul Razzaq and Asad Shafiq (both members of the men’s national selection committee) and former international player Batool Fatima. The coach and captain will also be part of the national women’s selection committee, as per PCB’s statement.
The primary task of the new committee is to select the players for the upcoming tour of England, where Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is and three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 fixtures from May 11 to 29.
