Nida named captain, Coles reappointed coach, Saleem to head selection panel in Pakistan women’s cricket shake-up

Nida, who is one of the most experienced players in the country and is the leading wicket-taker in T20I women’s cricket with 126 wickets, was named the PCB Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021. She replaces Bismah Maroof, who stepped down from the captaincy following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. Nida has played 130 T20Is and 99 ODIs for Pakistan.

“I am honored to have been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team. It is a huge responsibility, and I am excited to lead the team in the upcoming events. I want to thank the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility and will do my best to take the team forward,” said Nida.

Mark Coles, who previously served as Pakistan women’s cricket team head coach from 2017 to 2019, has been reappointed as head coach. During his time, the side achieved major results, including a fifth finish in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-2020 that paved the way for the side to feature in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.

“We have a lot of potential in the team, and I look forward to helping the players to give their best and achieve success on the international stage,” said Coles.

Saleem Jaffar, who has been named as the head of the Women’s Selection Committee, is a former Test cricketer and brings a wealth of international experience and knowledge. Present members of Coles’ coaching team are Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach) and Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach).

“We are confident this combination will not only attract and help young cricketers to fulfill their dreams of becoming top-quality international cricketers, but will also ensure the side as a whole emulates their previous performances and achievements. I remain confident under their supervision and guile of Nida, Mark and Saleem, Pakistan women’s cricket will grow and flourish,” said Najam Sethi, the Chair of the PCB Management Committee.