Girls empowered through cricket
A file photo of Pakistan's women cricket team
"The Australian High Commission has been sponsoring girls' cricket in Pakistan since 2016," Australia's Deputy High Commissioner Joanne Frederiksen said. "We began with a single annual tournament in Islamabad and have expanded to tournaments in Lahore and Karachi."
She said, "Our countries share a passion for cricket, so we're very pleased to support this event." Frederiksen further said, "Cricket and other sports can help tear down barriers and stereotypes. We hope to provide opportunities for more girls in sports and support gender equality. Every time these girls hit a boundary or make a catch, they are taking a step towards greater equality."
The girls attended a five-day coaching clinic in the lead-up to the competition.
"We are pleased to have the participation of first-class PCB coaches who helped in building confidence, fostering team spirit and encouraging the girls," said Ms Frederiksen.
She thanked the schools - Nasra Public School, Civil Aviation Authority Model School, Karachi Public School, Dawood Public School and Aga Khan Higher Secondary - for joining the event and paid tribute to the contribution made by JCA and PCB.
Leading coach Jalal Uddin, a former national player and now JCA Chairman, congratulated the Australian High Commission on the initiative.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2022.