PCB’s women wing head Tania Malik; A lost deal for Pakistan Cricket?

ISLAMABAD (Shoaib Jatt): The appointment of Tania Malik, a badminton player, as the head of the women’s wing of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised significant concerns among cricket enthusiasts and players alike.

Under Malik’s leadership, the Pakistan women’s cricket team has suffered a series of defeats, including the loss of the Asian Champion title. In the last 19 international matches, the team has only managed to secure one victory.

Not only has Tania Malik been criticized for the team’s performance, but she has also been accused of engaging in and supporting unethical practices within women’s cricket. A notable incident involved the International Cricket Council (ICC) contacting the PCB to offer a female physio for training. Malik declined the offer, claiming that Pakistan lacked a physio, despite the PCB employing Rabia Siddique, Qurat ul Ain, and Sehar as physios.

Malik has also been accused of misleading the board, as evidenced by an official meeting where she misrepresented Mohtasim Rasheed’s experience in women’s cricket to justify his appointment, despite his two-decade association with the team.

Former captain Bisma Maroof reportedly sought to resign due to Malik’s behavior but was convinced to stay by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. After Raja’s removal, Malik allegedly created a difficult environment for Maroof, leading to her retirement. Javeria Khan, with 228 international matches to her name, also left the sport due to Malik’s behavior.

Malik was appointed as the chairperson of the women’s wing on September 21, 2021. The concerns surrounding her leadership highlight the need for a review of the PCB’s decision-making process and its impact on the performance and morale of the Pakistan women’s cricket team.