ISLAMABAD: The Australian High Commission (AHC), in partnership with Kinnaird College for Women and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), hosted the 7th AHC–Kinnaird Girls’ Cricket Cup, supporting access, promoting teamwork, and creating opportunity for Pakistani girls through sport.
The tournament brought together students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, using cricket as a platform to build confidence, foster leadership, and promote inclusion. It also underscored the depth and value of people-to-people engagement between Australia and Pakistan.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, congratulated the players for their courage and determination to challenge barriers to women and girls’ participation through sport.
“Sport is a powerful medium through which women and girls challenge societal perceptions and champion the economic and social value of equality. Supporting girls’ cricket in Pakistan reflects our shared love of the game and commitment to creating opportunities to advance equality and inclusion for the current generation and generations to come.”
“While our men’s national teams are competing here in Lahore ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, today is about investing in Pakistan’s future women champions — giving girls the chance to dream big and create pathways to representing their communities and their country,” the High Commissioner added.
To prepare for the tournament, participants took part in a three-day coaching clinic supported by the PCB and led by members of Pakistan’s national women’s and U-19 teams who provided mentorship and inspiration.
Since 2016, Australia’s support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan, aided by the PCB and other partners, has expanded from Islamabad to Lahore and Karachi and helped identify and nurture emerging talent. For example, several former participants of the AHC–Kinnaird Cup have gone on to represent Pakistan at the U-19 national level.
Head of Pakistan Women’s Cricket, Rafia Haider, highlighted the tournament’s impact: “Platforms like this are essential for discovering talent and building confidence. With continued support, these girls can become the future of Pakistan women’s cricket.”
Principal of Kinnaird College for Women, Dr Iram Anjum, underscored the wider social impact: “When girls play sport, they gain confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. We are proud to partner with Australia in creating opportunities where young women can excel.”
The tournament featured teams from: Government Shuhda-e-APS Memorial Girls High School, Government Central Model School, Government Tehzeeb-ul-Binat Model Girls School, Government Yasmeen Islamia Girls High School, Mughalpura, and Kinnaird Cricket Academy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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