PCB expands women’s selection committee after whitewash by West Indies

In response to a disappointing performance by the national women’s cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken decisive action by expanding the selection committee to seven members, as announced by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday.

The move follows a series of losses against the West Indies women’s team in the recently concluded three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, a setback highlighted by a statement released by the board.

During the home series that commenced on April 18, the West Indies displayed dominance, beginning with a resounding 113-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI. Pakistan faltered in their pursuit of a 270-run target, being bowled out for 156 runs.

The series continued in a similar vein, with the hosts suffering a narrow two-wicket defeat in the second ODI, followed by an 88-run triumph for the West Indies in the third and final match of the series on April 23.

Despite this 3-0 loss, Pakistan currently maintains the fifth position in the ICC Women Championship 2022-25, comprising ten teams.

Notably, the top five teams from this championship, along with host nation India, will secure direct qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, while the remaining teams will vie for spots through a Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament.

The PCB has retained Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal from the previous selection panel, with the addition of Abdul Razzaq and Asad Shafiq, both members of the men’s national selection committee, along with former international player Batool Fatima.

Moreover, in a significant departure from previous practices, the coach and captain will also serve on the national women’s selection committee, as outlined by the PCB.

According to the board’s statement, the primary task of the newly constituted committee will be to select players for the upcoming tour of England. Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is and three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 fixtures from May 11 to 29, underlining the urgency for a revamped selection process.