In the recently concluded Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 played in the UAE, New Zealand won the title for the first time.

New Zealand had come into the tournament on a streak of 10 T20I losses, the longest losing streak any team has turned around to win a cricket World Cup.

On the other hand, South African women choked in the final and lost by 32 runs after winning the toss.

Pakistan women team finished fourth in the Group A. They won only one game, against Sri Lanka who ended last.

The performance of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team on the international stage has been a topic of concern and analysis for many cricket enthusiasts and analysts. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the team has consistently struggled to meet the standards set by their counterparts.

Inconsistent team selections, frequent coaching changes, and lack of stability have contributed to the inability to establish a core group of competent and experienced players.

Pakistan women team despite playing international cricket for over one and a half decades has never reached the top five positions. Pakistan women cricket team made its One-day International debut in 1997, but has never qualified for the World Cup semi-finals.

The Green-shirts have failed to win a single match against top three teams: England, Australia, and New Zealand so far. Even with other teams their record is not so impressive.

Against arch-rival India, Pakistan women cricket team has never won any One-day International in 11 matches played between the two teams. Even in T20Is, out of 16 games, the Green shirts have been successful only on three occasions that shows the low standard of the team.

The team has played 209 One-day Internationals so far, won only 59 matches and lost 143. Their winning percentage is just 28.22. They are placed on the 10th position in the ICC ODI ranking while India are on the fourth position.

In the T20Is, the Green-shirts have a better record as they have won 70 matches out of 178 they played with a win percentage of 39. 32. Their ranking in the ICC T20Is is eight. India are third.

Australia and England women cricket teams are first and second, respectively, in both one-day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals.

Pakistan women team didn’t get recognition in the international circuit because Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not provided the same resources, funding, and institutional support for the women’s national team as it has for the men’s team. This includes inadequate training facilities, coaching, and exposure to high-level international competition.

Improving infrastructure, breaking down social barriers, providing more opportunities, and ensuring consistent governance and support are essential steps in this direction.

With the right investments and cultural shift, Pakistan has the potential to develop a competitive women’s cricket team that can stand among the best in the world. However, it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the PCB, the government, and society to create an environment where women’s cricket can thrive.

The absence of dedicated cricket academies and proper grounds hampers the development of players from a young age, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their international teams.

The lack of professional opportunities and financial incentives further exacerbates the challenges faced by the Pakistan women’s cricket team. This lack of financial stability forces many talented players to abandon their cricketing careers in favour of more stable and lucrative professions. The absence of a robust domestic cricket structure also means fewer opportunities for players to gain competitive experience.

The PCB’s commitment to women’s cricket has been questioned at times, with limited investments in grassroots development, coaching, and player welfare. Without sustained and consistent support from the governing body, it is challenging for the team to compete at the highest level.

Australia, England, and India have invested heavily in their women’s teams, providing them state-of-the-art facilities, professional contracts, and comprehensive domestic leagues. These investments have translated into improved performances and greater competitiveness on the international stage. For Pakistan to bridge the gap, a similar level of commitment and investment is required.

Surrounding India are three systems struggling for stability — Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, all of which have depended largely on their captains for results without much depth.

The landscape of women’s cricket has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with several nations emerging as powerhouses in the sport. Among these, India, Australia, South Africa, and England have established themselves as formidable teams, consistently performing at high levels in international competitions.

In contrast, the Pakistan women’s cricket team has faced numerous challenges that hinder its ability to compete on the same level.

Effective coaching is vital for the growth of any sports team. The Pakistan women’s cricket team has faced challenges in securing high-quality coaching staff and development programmes.

The absence of experienced coaches and structured development programmes in Pakistan limits the potential for player growth and skill enhancement. Without access to quality coaching, players struggle to develop their techniques and understanding of the game, which leads to inconsistent performances on the international stage.

The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, especially for teams that are not accustomed to high-stakes competition. The Pakistan women’s cricket team may face additional challenges related to mental health and performance anxiety, particularly when competing against more established teams. The lack of mental health support and resources can impact players’ confidence and overall performance, making it difficult for them to compete effectively.

There have been efforts to promote women’s cricket in Pakistan, but significant strides are still needed to bridge the gap between the Pakistan team and its more successful counterparts like India, Australia, South Africa, and England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should take women cricket seriously, start a young cricketers hunting programme, and provide good facilities and infrastructure to develop the skills of women cricketers.

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