Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has renewed calls for structural reforms in women’s cricket, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to establish a franchise-based T20 league to accelerate the development of the national side.
Speaking during a training camp in Karachi, where he is working closely with the women’s team as mentor and selector, Riaz underlined that Pakistan’s players possess the raw ability but need a more competitive ecosystem to fully realise their potential. He pointed to the success of the Pakistan Super League as a model worth replicating in the women’s game, particularly in terms of exposure to international standards and high-pressure situations. “The PSL has been a big success for us, and while our girls are not short on talent, they lack the experience and exposure of playing against stronger teams and players,” Wahab told reporters in Karachi.
Riaz believes that consistent interaction with overseas professionals through a domestic league can help bridge the gap between Pakistan and the top sides. Alongside the push for a domestic league, Riaz also emphasised the need for broader international exposure, urging the board to create more opportunities for Pakistan’s women cricketers to participate in overseas T20 competitions.
The ongoing camp is part of Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe starting from April 29, which will include both ODIs and T20Is. While the ODI fixtures carry significance in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, the T20 matches are being viewed as key preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Riaz dismissed concerns about so-called “tough groups,” emphasising belief and adaptability in the shortest format. “We must not focus on the group; we simply need to believe in ourselves. T20 is a format where any team can beat another on their day,” he said.
Riaz also highlighted tangible progress in the team’s physical conditioning and fielding standards, areas he described as foundational to competing consistently at the international level. Improved fitness, he noted, has already started translating into better on-field performances.
“The improvement in performances is largely due to enhanced fitness levels. We are also working on mental strength and game awareness, which had been lacking,” he added.
While acknowledging the strides made in recent months, Riaz maintained that long-term progress will depend on creating a more robust domestic structure and ensuring players get regular match exposure. Without that gains in training may not fully translate into results on the international stage.
The Zimbabwe women’s team is set to make its first-ever tour of Pakistan, with the series opener scheduled on April 29. For Riaz and the national side, the assignment represents more than just an international fixture, it offers a timely opportunity to test their progress and build momentum ahead of a crucial global campaign.
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