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It came as a surprise for many when the leader of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, Bismah Maroof, suddenly announced her exit from the position. She was crowned the captain of the side in 2017 and led her team in 64 T20Is and 34 ODIs, winning 27 and 16 out of these respectfully. She also led the green team in four big tournaments but could not win something big in them, unfortunately.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will now be looking to fill the spot with someone who would not only continue on the legacy left by Maroof but also bring and instil a winning culture in the team. Here are three possible contenders for captaining the women in green
Three Possible Contenders for Captaining the Women in Green
Nida Dar
Nida Dar is possibly the strongest candidate to occupy the seat of captaincy. The 36-year-old made her debut for the national team in 2010. Since then, she has represented the green flag in 99 ODIs and 130 20-over games and is the only player from Pakistan to have taken part in the women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Apart from these figures, the bowling all-rounder has a myriad of runs and wickets to her name and has stood for her team on critical occasions more than once. Recently, Dar became the highest wicket-taker in T20Is claiming 126 scalps in the short-format game.
The well-spoken, every-charismatic all-rounder will make a great captain especially when she carries a myriad of international experience. Her game awareness and the ability to convert impossible into possible will prove to be a key ingredients in taking women’s cricket to new heights.
Javeria Khan
Another contestant among the three possible contenders for captaining the women in green is Javeria Khan. To say that the 34-year-old is massively experienced in national and international cricket would be an understatement.
The right-hand batter made her international debut in 2008 and has had an illustrious career with the bat piling in 2885 runs in the 50-over format while 2018 runs in T20Is. What gives Khan an edge over the others is her experience of captaining the side before. In 2020, when the ex-captain Bismah Maroof went on an indefinite maternity break, Javeriah took charge of the ship and helped Pakistan qualify for the World Cup.
It’s the beginning of a new phase of women’s championship and another World Cup is not far away. Having Javeria as the leader might brighten up green shirts’ chances of getting close to the finish line this time.
Kainat Imtiaz
Kainat Imtiaz can also be considered for the role of captain. Imtiaz entered the international cricket circuit in 2011 and since has made 40 appearances for the green team claiming 18 scalps for her team. Plagued by injury, the right-arm medium-fast bowler had to be kept on the side for a long time.
Well-versed, confident, and poignant, the 30-year-old will be an excellent choice for the position of captain. Kainat not only adds value to the team with the ball but also carries an element of bringing unity to the group which adds a positive impact on the entire team.
In conclusion, the Pakistan women’s cricket team needs right now is someone who is rigid, coherent, has a clear game plan, and most importantly who exudes match-winning energy. A glue that keeps the team together and united. What PCB needs to keep in mind is that changing a ship’s captain is not the only solution. Things need to be modified at the grass root level. Better coaches, incentivized system, and improved facilities are needed to carve out a team that wins matches.
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