PCB Responds to Sana Mir’s Statements, Cites Inaccuracies

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially responded to a recent social media post by former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir, asserting that her comments contained factual errors. The PCB urged Mir to ensure the accuracy of information prior to making public pronouncements.

Mir had expressed concerns on ‘X’, regarding the scheduling of the domestic 50-over tournament in relation to Pakistan’s preparations for the World Cup.

Mir’s post questioned, “So you are ruling out Pakistan to go past group stage before the start of their campaign? What’s the point of 50 over National Championship after the WC when you are only playing 3 ODI in the build up? Important to do constructive criticism for the betterment of the country rather than praising inefficiency.”

A senior representative from the PCB Women’s Wing explained that the National Women’s One-Day Tournament, featured in the newly announced 2025-26 domestic schedule, marks the commencement of a fresh season for Pakistani women cricketers, deeming Mir’s observations as “premature.”

The preceding one-day cycle, the representative mentioned, will conclude with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka.

Addressing worries about scheduling a one-day domestic tournament within an already busy calendar, the board highlighted its dedication to the players’ physical and mental health.

The official detailed an intensive program from July 7 to November 2, 2025, for the national women’s team, including two training camps (in Karachi and Lahore), an away T20I series, a home ODI series, and the ICC Women’s World Cup—featuring seven league matches before the knockout stages.

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

“This claim is not correct,” the PCB representative stated. “The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is slated for September 30 to November 2, 2025.

“The National Women’s One-Day Tournament is planned in Karachi from November 10 to 23, with preparations commencing on November 6—after the World Cup has ended.”

Regarding preparations for the global competition, the cricketing body noted the launch of a 25-day skills and fitness camp in Karachi, which includes numerous 50-over practice matches.

The emphasis on ODI cricket will intensify following the team’s return from Ireland on August 12 after a T20I series, with preparations beginning for the South Africa ODI series starting August 25 in Lahore.

From August 25 to September 28, 2025, the women’s ODI squad will participate in comprehensive preparations, including three home ODIs and two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Colombo—aimed at refining their 50-over skills before the World Cup.

The cricket board added that Pakistan was undefeated in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier hosted in April and that all players subsequently participated in the National Women’s T20 Tournament held in May in Karachi.