Pakistan team captain Javeria Khan believes that a T20 league should be introduced for the women’s game — on the same basis as Pakistan Super League.

While talking in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Javeria said that in order to encourage more women to take up cricket in Pakistan and improve the quality of women’s cricket, a T20 league is essential. 

“We need a women’s league on the same basis as PSL,” said Javeria. “I raised this issue earlier as well because it helps women’s cricketers financially while also gaining exposure by playing with foreign cricketers. This will also encourage young women to take up cricket in Pakistan.”

Javeria — who has featured in 91 ODIs and 85 T20Is for Pakistan — also shared her thoughts on recent defeats during the World T20. 

“The reason behind our loss was the fact that we our developing youngsters which is why there is lack of consistency in our performances,” she said.

She also brushed aside the notion that only a selected few are favoured when selecting women’s squad.

“It is wrong to say that because cricketers who are selected are all performance based,” she said. “But I will say that there is a relatively small pool of players from which selections are made.”

The 30-year-old also spoke about the need for more investment in women’s cricket.

“In order to increase the number of women cricketers, the board has setup five academies to facilitate our cricket,” she said. “But we also need people to invest in club and school cricket as it will improve our bench strength.”

When asked about team’s performance as compared to other international sides, she said: “It is unfair to match our standard with that of other top international sides because there is a massive difference between the structures. Top sides like Australia, England and South Africa have a very strong domestic, club and school cricket structure which aids their growth in international cricket.”

While speaking about the recurring Pakistan team batting collapses during matches, Javeria said that players need more experience before they come good.

“Yes we lack in the batting department but we are gradually improving,” she said. “This aspect of our game will improve as players gain more experience which is why it is important to give the batsmen more time to establish themselves.”

She also revealed that cricketers from Pakistan men’s team have also guided them, if and when possible. 

“Pakistan men cricketers also help us from time to time with their tips,” she said. “Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Hasan Ali are few of the names that guide and support us, whether it’s through social media or when we meet up during training sessions.”

Javeria also believes that it is important that international cricket returns to Pakistan as it is beneficial for the side in so many ways.

“We would love to see international cricket return to Pakistan. It gives us great pride to play on our home soil and in front of our families,” she said. “Bearing in mind the fact that we grew up playing cricket in Pakistan, it is easier to adjust to conditions as compared to a neutral or away venue.”

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