Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has replaced Pakistan women team’s ODI captain, with T20 captain Bismah Maroof taking the mantle from veteran player Sana Mir, said a press release on Saturday.
Following a review of the current women cricket structure after a dismal performance in the recently concluded World Cup, the PCB announced a number of changes to the team and management set-up:
Sana Mir has been replaced as captain of Pakistan women’s team in the 50-over format, but she will be eligible for selection as a player in both formats of the game. Bismah Maroof, who already leads the team in T20s, will take over as captain of the ODI team as well.
The reins of women’s cricket have been taken away from General Manager Shamsa Hashmi. A search for a new GM for women’s cricket will be started through advertisements in the newspaper.
A new team manager will be appointed. The former manager Ayesha Ashhar has meanwhile been given interim charge of the women’s wing till a new GM is appointed. The selection committee has been disbanded and the process of appointing new members of the committee will be started soon.
PCB Chairman Najam Sethi shared his opinion on the shake-up. “These are well thought out decisions taken after a comprehensive internal review. I am hopeful that we will transform women cricket into a well-knit unit both on field and at the management level,” he said.
“Sana Mir has great contributions towards Pakistan’s Women cricket. She has played an instrumental role for women’s cricket in Pakistan. She has led the team with great respect and had always used her best abilities to serve women’s team,” he added.
Sana Mir, in a tweet later, congratulated Bismah and wished her well for the challenge ahead. “Congratulations Bismah on taking over the mantle of ODI leadership for Pakistan. May you lead well & continue to inspire the next generation.
