PCB appoints all-female selection committee for national side

In their bid to grow the women's game further, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed an all-female selection committee for the national women's team. The committee will be headed by former captain Urooj Mumtaz, who will be joined by former internationals Marina Iqbal and Asmavia Iqbal.



A. Iqbal was a member of the previous selection committee too, that was chaired by Pakistan's former Test player Jalaluddin, and included former international Akhtar Sarfraz as well. The new committee has been set up following the completion of both their terms.



Certain managerial changes have also been made. Aisha Jalil has been promoted to Team Manager, while Ayesha Ashar is now responsible for planning and coordinating the teams international fixtures.



The newly-appointed selection committee will already be deep in discussion for their first task; selecting the national side for Pakistan's upcoming tour of South Africa. The series is scheduled to be held in May, with the ODIs being a part of the ICC Women's Championship. This series proves to be a crucial one for Pakistan, who have gotten themselves in a good position to earn direct qualification to the World Cup in 2021, following their series win over West Indies.



Collectively, the three members have 286 international caps between them. Their combined experience and knowledge of the game, as well as integration in the current set up will undoubtedly help them make well-informed decisions.



Following this announcement, PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan said, "I would like to place on record my thanks to Jalaluddin and Akhtar Sarfraz for their contribution to women’s cricket.



"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.



“The new selection committee comprises players who, until very recently, have been involved in white ball cricket. This syncs very nicely with the PCB’s vision of providing an environment where women’s cricket not only thrives but where we are able to increase our pool of players so that it can sustainably grow and flourish.



“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 is part of the PCB Cricket Committee, so her relevance to the modern game will further benefit the direction we are aiming to take the women and girls’ cricket.”



Mumtaz also 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.



“As we move forward, I am confident the performance of the team will also improve steadily.”