Australia celebrates 10 years supporting girls’ cricket in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Australian High Commission (AHC), in partnership with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Serena Hotels, hosted the Islamabad leg of the AHC–PCB Girls’ Cricket Cup today (Thursday) — marking 10 years of Australia’s support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan.

The tournament brought together young players from government schools and community institutions across Islamabad, using cricket as a platform to build confidence, develop skills, and expand opportunities for girls.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, congratulated the participants and highlighted the significance of sustained investment in women’s sport.

“Cricket is a powerful force for connection between Australia and Pakistan, but just as importantly, it creates opportunity — giving girls the confidence, skills and pathways to shape their own futures.”

“As Australia’s ODI men’s team prepares to return to Pakistan later this month, the Girls’ Cricket Cup underscores the depth and breadth of our cricket partnership — from grassroots development through to elite competition.”

The initiative, launched in Islamabad in 2016 to foster opportunities for underprivileged girls through cricket, has since expanded to Lahore and Karachi and contributed to increased participation of girls in cricket across Pakistan.

Participants were supported through pre-tournament coaching delivered by PCB coaches, helping to develop technical skills and cultivate leadership.

PCB representatives noted the importance of sustained partnerships in building the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Serena Hotels, a long-standing partner of the initiative, reaffirmed commitment to supporting inclusive sport and youth development.

Serena Hotels, a long-standing partner of the initiative, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women’s empowerment, inclusive sport and youth development in Pakistan.

The tournament featured teams from Islamabad Model College for Girls Punjgran, Islamabad Model School for Girls F-6/1, Islamabad Model School for Girls I-9/1, and SOS Children’s Village H-11.

The event reflects Australia’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion through sport, in line with its international development and sports diplomacy priorities.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026