Following a challenging Women’s World Cup campaign that saw Pakistan finish eighth, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still evaluating its options for appointing the next head coach of the national women’s team. Despite ongoing speculation, no final decision has been made.
A major point of discussion has been the involvement of former fast bowler Wahab Riaz, with rumours suggesting he could assume either a consultant or head coach role. The PCB was quick to dismiss these claims. As an official clarified, “Wahab has already been working as a consultant in the PCB with various teams but has been given no new assignment as yet,” confirming that no additional responsibilities have been assigned to him.
This vacancy surfaced after the PCB opted not to renew the contract of former Test batter Muhammad Wasim, who had been serving as the team’s head coach. With the position now open, the board has initiated conversations with international candidates. A well-placed source shared that “the PCB was in negotiations with two foreign coaches to work with the women’s team, but nothing had been finalised.”
Should talks with foreign candidates fall through, the PCB is prepared to explore local alternatives. Among the most prominent names is former captain Bismah Maroof. According to the same source, “If things don’t work out with the foreign coaches, the PCB will look at local options foremost among them is former women’s team captain, Bismah Maroof.”
Maroof brings unparalleled experience, having played 276 international matches for Pakistan (136 ODIs, 140 T20Is). She has captained the side in 34 ODIs and 62 T20Is, scored 3369 ODI runs with 44 wickets, and accumulated 2893 T20I runs alongside 36 wickets. Her deep understanding of the team makes her one of the strongest domestic contenders.
Wahab Riaz also remains a possibility depending on how the process unfolds. As the source added, “He said Wahab would only be asked to take over as head coach of the women’s team if other options didn’t work out but he himself has shown his interest in taking up this challenge.” His willingness to step in ensures the PCB has a fallback option.
Pakistan’s recent performances reflect both struggle and promise. At the World Cup, they failed to register a win—losing four matches while three were washed out due to persistent rain in Colombo—finishing below Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Notably, they were in a strong position to defeat England before rain intervened, and they reduced Australia to 76/7 in one of the tournament’s standout passages of play.
Across 2025, Pakistan played 15 matches, winning 6 and losing 6, placing them fifth in total wins behind India, Australia, South Africa and England—the four semi-finalists. Earlier in April, they had gone unbeaten during the Qualifier in Lahore, registering victories over teams such as West Indies and Bangladesh.
Under Fatima Sana’s leadership, the side has shown growth and resilience. The PCB’s choice of head coach—whether foreign or local—will be pivotal in converting that progress into consistent success as Pakistan women’s cricket enters its next phase.
(Inputs sourced from PTI)
Loves all things female cricket