PCB name new all-female selection panel for women’s side

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday named a new three-person women’s selection committee.

The move is part of a restructuring within the PCB in regards to women’s cricket, with the committee to be led by Urooj Mumtaz – who played one Test, 38 ODIs, and 9 T20Is for Pakistan.

The previous selection panel for women’s cricket featured former men’s internationals Jalaluddin and Akhtar Sarfraz. The rest of the panel also comprises former Pakistan internationals, with Urooj joined by the retained Asmavia Iqbal, and Marina Iqbal. Their first assignment will be to select a squad for the ICC Women’s Championship series against South Africa in May.

On the naming of the new all-female panel, PCB managing director Wasim Khan said: “Women’s cricket will be an important priority moving forward and this has been reflected in the selection of such a relevant and dynamic committee. Their appointments will go a long way towards accelerating the progress of our senior women’s team.

“Attracting women with the relevant skill sets and a passion for the women’s game was critical when forming this new Committee. Offering merit-based opportunities to exceptionally talented women who can help drive and influence the game spells a new and exciting era at the PCB.”

Urooj added: “I would like to thank the PCB for believing in me and my abilities for this new role as the Chair of the women’s selection committee. “As we move into a new era of women’s cricket, we need to have the ability to adapt to the modern day game. Keeping that in mind, we aim to inspire and produce players with the skills and talent to compete consistently at the top international level, and also encourage the younger generation to take up this great game and become the ambassadors of Pakistan.”