Pakistan Sacks Women’s Coach After World Cup Disaster

By Harshit - Nov 04, 2025 05:33 PM
Last updated on Nov 04, 2025 05:33 PM

Pakistan women's cricket finds itself at a crossroads after a disappointing World Cup campaign that saw the team finish at the bottom of the points table. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to renew the contract of head coach Mohammad Waseem following the team’s failure to secure a single win during the tournament held in India and Sri Lanka. The decision marks the beginning of yet another rebuilding phase for the women’s side, which has struggled to make a lasting impact on the international stage despite occasional flashes of potential.

Under the captaincy of Fatima Sana, the Pakistan women’s team endured one of its toughest tournaments in recent memory. Out of seven matches, the side could only manage three points, all from rain-abandoned fixtures. The PCB’s decision came just a day after India lifted their maiden Women’s World Cup title, and the timing underlines the urgency within Pakistan’s cricket board to reassess and rebuild the women’s cricket setup from the ground up.

While Waseem’s tenure brought moments of promise, the lack of consistency and inability to compete against top-tier sides led to growing concerns about the team’s direction. The PCB, in its statement, emphasized its ongoing commitment to enhancing women’s cricket in Pakistan and announced that the process to appoint a new head coach has already begun. The board aims to introduce a fresh perspective and leadership approach to uplift the morale and performance of the team.

Pakistan’s Disappointing World Cup Campaign

Pakistan’s campaign in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup was one to forget. The side played all their matches at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, but not even familiarity with the conditions could turn their fortunes around. The team’s batting struggled to post competitive totals, while the bowling lacked the cutting edge required to dismantle top opposition line-ups. Their closest chance at victory came against England, where rain eventually washed out what seemed like a promising contest.

The team’s defeats to Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa exposed glaring weaknesses in strategy and execution. Against India, Pakistan suffered an 88-run defeat that underscored the gap between the two sides in terms of confidence and performance. Despite individual efforts from senior players, the lack of depth and cohesion meant that Pakistan could never truly challenge their opponents. The failure to win a single match has prompted calls for major structural changes within the women’s cricket framework.

End of the Road for Mohammad Waseem

Appointed to bring stability and innovation, Mohammad Waseem’s term as head coach has ended on a disappointing note. The PCB’s official statement confirmed that his contract would not be renewed and that a search for a new coach was underway. Waseem had earlier been seen as a potential long-term figure capable of nurturing young talent and instilling discipline within the squad, but the World Cup performance has forced the board to reconsider its options.

“The process to appoint a new head coach is currently underway, and the announcement regarding his successor will be made in due course,” the PCB said in its statement. The decision suggests that the board is open to exploring both domestic and international coaching candidates. The next coach will inherit a team in dire need of confidence, tactical clarity, and a stronger mental approach to handle the pressures of elite cricket.

PCB’s Commitment to Women’s Cricket

Despite the setback, the PCB has reiterated its commitment to uplifting women’s cricket in Pakistan. The board’s statement emphasized that it remains “committed to strengthening women’s cricket in Pakistan and ensuring the team receives the best possible support to achieve continued success on the international stage.” This includes plans to expand domestic competitions, provide better infrastructure, and enhance the visibility of women’s cricket through media and sponsorships.

In recent years, Pakistan has taken steps toward professionalizing the women’s game, including organizing local tournaments, investing in player development programs, and improving pay structures. However, critics argue that these initiatives have not yet translated into consistent international performances. The PCB’s next moves—particularly the selection of a new coach and possible reorganization of the team—will determine the future trajectory of women’s cricket in the country.

India’s Triumph Highlights Regional Contrast

Adding salt to Pakistan’s wounds, India’s women’s team created history by clinching their maiden World Cup title just a day before the PCB’s announcement. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Shafali Verma’s blistering knock of 87 and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance powered India to victory and underlined the rising dominance of the side on the global stage.

India’s triumph highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two neighboring nations. While India continues to make giant strides in women’s cricket—thanks to structured domestic pathways and strong leadership—Pakistan continues to grapple with issues of consistency, planning, and player confidence. The difference is not merely in results but in long-term vision and execution. This disparity serves as a wake-up call for the PCB, emphasizing the urgent need to modernize and invest in grassroots cricket for women.

Key Areas Needing Improvement

Experts believe that Pakistan must focus on several key areas to revive its women’s cricket fortunes. These include strengthening the domestic league system, providing more exposure to international competition, improving fitness standards, and introducing mental conditioning programs. Additionally, the appointment of a high-profile coach with international experience could bring in much-needed expertise and tactical awareness.

• Developing a competitive domestic league to nurture talent
• Ensuring consistent match exposure for players against stronger teams
• Investing in specialized coaching staff for batting, bowling, and fielding
• Enhancing player fitness and mental resilience through modern training modules
• Creating mentorship programs involving former players

If implemented effectively, these measures could help Pakistan bridge the gap between itself and other top cricketing nations. The current setback, while disappointing, also presents an opportunity for the board to rebuild and reshape the women’s cricket ecosystem with a more professional and long-term outlook.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding with Purpose

As Pakistan begins its search for a new head coach, the focus will be on finding a leader capable of revitalizing a demoralized side. The upcoming months will be crucial as the PCB prepares for the next season of international fixtures. The board’s decisions—ranging from leadership appointments to player development—will define how quickly Pakistan can bounce back from this difficult phase.

The women’s team’s resilience and spirit will also play a vital role in their recovery journey. With young players eager to make their mark and senior players looking to restore pride, Pakistan has the potential to script a comeback. What remains to be seen is whether the board can translate its commitment into actionable reforms and consistent results on the field.

In conclusion, the non-renewal of Mohammad Waseem’s contract symbolizes a turning point for Pakistan women’s cricket. The failures of the World Cup have exposed deep-seated challenges, but they have also opened the door for renewal and reform. If the PCB takes decisive and strategic steps, the team can rebuild its foundation and aspire to compete among the best once again on the international stage.

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