LAHORE (AM Khan): The Australian High Commission (AHC), in collaboration with Kinnaird College for Women and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), successfully organised the 7th AHC–Kinnaird Girls’ Cricket Cup, reinforcing efforts to expand opportunities and promote inclusion for young female cricketers in Pakistan.
The tournament brought together students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, using cricket as a platform to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and encourage teamwork. The event also highlighted the growing people-to-people sporting ties between Australia and Pakistan.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Timothy Kane, praised the participants for challenging social barriers and pursuing their passion for sport. He emphasised that cricket serves as a powerful tool to promote gender equality and empower young women.
“Sport provides a platform for women and girls to challenge societal perceptions and highlight the social and economic value of equality. Supporting girls’ cricket in Pakistan reflects our shared love for the game and commitment to creating opportunities for future generations,” Kane said.
He added that initiatives like the girls’ cricket cup focus on nurturing Pakistan’s future women champions and encouraging young players to dream big. Ahead of the competition, participants attended a three-day coaching clinic organised with PCB support, where members of Pakistan’s national women’s and Under-19 teams provided professional training, mentorship, and inspiration.
Since its launch in 2016, Australia’s support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan has expanded from Islamabad to Lahore and Karachi, helping identify and nurture emerging talent. Several former participants of the AHC–Kinnaird Cup have progressed to represent Pakistan at the national U-19 level.
Head of Pakistan Women’s Cricket, Rafia Haider, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, saying that platforms like these are vital for talent discovery and confidence building among young players. Kinnaird College Principal Dr Iram Anjum also highlighted the broader social benefits, noting that sports participation helps young women develop confidence, leadership abilities, and a sense of belonging.
The tournament featured teams from Govt Shuhda-e APS Memorial Girls High School, Govt Central Model School, Govt Tehzeeb-ul-Binat Model Girls School, Govt Yasmeen Islamia Girls High School Mughalpura, and Kinnaird Cricket Academy.
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