Junaid Khan backs Pakistan women’s team for World Cup spot

Pakistan women's cricket team’s bowling coach, Junaid Khan, has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. He believes the players have worked hard to minimize their weaknesses and are well-prepared for the qualifiers.  

“The players have made an effort to overcome their weaknesses. Now, it will be interesting to see how they perform in the matches. The way they are playing, I am hopeful that Pakistan will qualify for the World Cup,” Junaid Khan stated.   

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is set to take place in Lahore from April 9. To prepare for the tournament, Pakistan women’s team is currently undergoing a training camp in Lahore, which includes both net practice sessions and practice matches.  

Speaking during the training camp, Junaid Khan acknowledged the added pressure of playing at home. “There is always pressure when playing at home because the expectation is to perform at our best. We have worked not only on technical aspects but also on strengthening the players mentally,” he said.  

Junaid also pointed out that the lack of regular international series affects the team’s performance. “Women’s cricket doesn’t get many series, and match experience is always more beneficial than just training camps. However, the players are putting in great effort. PCB’s decision to bring in modern-day coaches has been a good step, as players are now being trained according to modern cricket standards,” he added.    

Junaid Khan described the squad as well-balanced, with selections based on performance. However, he acknowledged that power-hitting remains a challenge—not just for the women’s team but for Pakistan cricket in general.  

“We have advised the players to focus on singles and doubles. Even if you don’t hit big sixes, consistent singles and doubles can take the total to 250 runs. Boundaries are limited, so reducing dot balls is key,” he concluded.