Pakistan Women's cricket team (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively discussing the idea of launching a franchise-based T20 tournament for women cricketers. However, PCB officials have made it clear that they do not want to rush into such a big decision and are taking a careful and planned approach.
PCB plans Women’s Franchise-based T20 League
PCB women’s wing head Rafia Haider confirmed that the proposal is still under discussion and no final decision has been taken so far. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rafia said the board wants to ensure that all important aspects are properly evaluated before moving ahead.
“It is under discussion but not finalized as yet," Rafia told the website. “Of course it (the tournament) is going to be a huge move whenever it happens so we’ll take everyone on board and do our homework properly before its fruition," she said.
Rafia Haider highlighted that the PCB is already taking several steps to strengthen women’s cricket at the grassroots and elite levels. One major development is the dedication of the High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Karachi exclusively for women cricketers.
“We are taking different initiatives to develop women’s cricket in Pakistan. Recently we have dedicated the High-Performance Centre in Karachi for our Women’s Cricket, where they attend their camps and train round the year. Women’s U19 team was given separate team management and that HPC facility, where they prepared for the Bangladesh tour and we have seen good results right away. Separate team managements have been given to the national team and U19/emerging teams for focused player development," she said.
Rafia also praised the PCB management for fully supporting women’s cricket in Pakistan. She said the board has provided all necessary resources and shown strong commitment over the past two years.
She also noted a positive cultural shift in Pakistan, with more parents encouraging their daughters to take up cricket.
“Women’s cricket is now an integral part of the PCB. The support from the board has been commendable,". “People are embracing women’s cricket. Parents now bring their daughters to learn the game, which is a very encouraging sign.”
Learning from WPL model
Women’s franchise leagues have already proven to be highly successful in other countries. Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, launched by the BCCI, has grown rapidly in recent times and not just this it has also provided platform for the young players.
Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and England’s The Hundred have also played a major role in developing women’s cricket. Inspired by these examples, the PCB believes a similar league could benefit Pakistan women’s cricket, but only if it is introduced with proper planning and support.
