The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially parted ways with Mohammad Wasim, announcing the completion of his tenure as head coach of the national women’s team following a dismal campaign at the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, saw Pakistan fail to register a single victory as India, under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, scripted history by clinching their maiden senior ICC title with a 52-run win over Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
According to PCB’s statement, the process of appointing a new head coach is underway, with an official announcement expected soon. The board reiterated its commitment to advancing women’s cricket in Pakistan and providing the national side with improved resources and guidance to compete effectively at the international level.
Appointed on June 26, 2024, just ahead of the T20 Asia Cup in Dambulla, Mohammad Wasim’s tenure always seemed transitional. A former national batter and ex-chief selector of the men’s team, Wasim had earlier carved out a respectable reputation in domestic cricket, leading Northern to consecutive runners-up finishes and a National T20 Cup title in the 2019–20 season. During his women’s team stint, he held dual responsibility as head and batting coach, supported by Junaid Khan as assistant coach and Abdur Rehman as spin-bowling coach.
However, the Pakistan women’s side endured a painful run at the 2025 World Cup, held primarily at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Led by captain Fatima Sana, the team’s campaign began on a shaky note, losing their first match to Nigar Sultana Joty’s Bangladesh by 7 wickets on October 2. Their troubles deepened with an 88-run defeat against India on October 5 and a 107-run thrashing by Alyssa Healy’s Australia. Rain then intervened mid-tournament, washing out their games against England (October 15) and New Zealand (October 18).
Though Pakistan appeared in a dominant position against England while chasing a reduced target of 113 in a 31-over clash, the clouds closed in when they were 92 for 5. Against New Zealand, they were tottering at 92 for 5 in 25 overs before another downpour ended play.
A crushing 150-run defeat followed against South Africa on October 21 in a bizarre rain-curtailed encounter, where Pakistan were asked to chase 234 in just 20 overs. The side’s final league fixture versus Sri Lanka on October 24 was also abandoned, leaving them winless in seven matches, four losses and three no results.
Wasim’s tenure, though short-lived, will be remembered as a transitional phase marked by disrupted campaigns, inclement weather, and stark inconsistencies in performance. The PCB’s decision to seek fresh leadership hints at a broader restructuring plan for the women’s setup as the board eyes upcoming assignments, including a potential home bilateral series and preparations for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
For now, the focus shifts to who will take up the mantle of guiding Pakistan’s women cricketers into their next phase, one that demands renewed tactical clarity, mental toughness, and stability after yet another disappointing global outing.
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