PCB Responds to Sana Mir’s Remarks, Clarifies Tournament Schedule

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to a recent social media post by former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir, stating that her comments contained inaccuracies and advising her to confirm details before making public statements.

Mir had used social media platform ‘X’ to express worries about the schedule of the domestic 50-over competition in relation to Pakistan’s preparations for the World Cup.

“Does this mean Pakistan won’t advance past the group stage before the campaign begins?” Mir questioned. “What is the purpose of a 50-over National Championship after the World Cup when only three ODIs are scheduled beforehand? Constructive criticism is essential for national improvement, not celebrating inefficiency.”

A senior figure from the PCB Women’s Wing clarified that the National Women’s One-Day Tournament, featured in the newly announced 2025-26 domestic schedule, marks the beginning of the new season for Pakistan’s women cricketers.

The previous one-day cycle, the spokesperson noted, will culminate at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Addressing Mir’s apprehensions regarding the arrangement of a “hasty” one-day domestic tournament within an already busy schedule, the PCB stressed its dedication to the players’ physical and mental health.

The official explained that the national women’s team is slated for a busy schedule from July 7 to November 2, 2025. This includes two training camps (in Karachi and Lahore), an away T20I series, a home ODI series, and participation in the ICC Women’s World Cup—with seven league matches before the knockout rounds.

The PCB also countered Sana Mir’s suggestion that the domestic 50-over tournament would coincide with the ODI World Cup.

“This claim is incorrect,” the PCB representative stated. “The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled from September 30 to November 2, 2025.

The National Women’s One-Day Tournament will take place in Karachi from November 10 to 23, with preparations commencing on November 6—after the conclusion of the World Cup.”

Concerning the preparations for the global event, the PCB highlighted the launch of a 25-day skills and fitness camp in Karachi, incorporating several 50-over practice matches.

The emphasis on ODI cricket will be amplified after the team’s return from Ireland on August 12 following a T20I series. Preparations will then begin for the South Africa ODI series, starting August 25 in Lahore.

From August 25 to September 28, 2025, the women’s ODI team will undergo intensive preparation, including three home ODIs and two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Colombo—aimed at honing their 50-over skills for the World Cup.

The cricket board also mentioned Pakistan’s undefeated run in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in April and the subsequent participation of all players in the National Women’s T20 Tournament in Karachi in May.