Pakistan women’s team long-standing skipper Sana Mir has been removed from her top-brass post in the One-day internationals, as Twenty20 skipper Bismah Maroof is all set to succeed her senior partner with the kickstart of New Zealand’s tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the second-adopted home for Pakistan cricket.
Following the rapid decline in the team performance, PCB has thoroughly reviewed the report which was submitted by the management and coach including women’s wing chief selector.
“These are well thought out decisions taken after a comprehensive internal review,” the newly-appointed PCB Chairman Najam Sethi said in a release.
The 31-year-old Abbottabad-born Sana is bound to be considered as a player owing to the PCB’s selection programme.
The development came to the fore, as the bowling all-rounder Sana have had a strained relationship with the management.
On the other side, the all-rounder Bismah was named as T20 skipper in June 2016 after the authorities felt a need of two-leader role in the limited-overs format.
In a bid to refurbish the women’s cricket, the decision was taken at the behest of the PCB’s face-lifting policy after the side returned to Pakistan with a wooden spoon, in the recently concluded 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup.
“I am hopeful that we will transform women cricket into a well-knit unit both on field and at the management level,” Sethi, who is enjoying his third stint as a chairman added in a statement.
Moreover, following the adamant approach, the Board has also dissolved the selection committee of women’s wing which was headed by Mohammad Ilyas.
Interestingly the general manager Shamsa Hashmi, who was appointed in 2015 and manager for the team Ayesha Ashar, who has been at the helm since 2009, have been dispersed from their respective positions.
However, Ashar could continue with the temporary role until PCB would avail the services of the permanent member for the vacant post, as the new body is expected to be named next month (October).
Pertinently, the other reason for the sacking of the management has been Pakistan finished at the eighth position in the World Cup between June-July, before Sana took to his social media page on Facebook with her open letter – to lash out at the management and coach Sabih Azhar.
Sethi has further praised the efforts of Sana for lifting the spirit of the women team while playing a significant role as a leader throughout the years.
“Sana Mir has made great contributions towards Pakistan’s women cricket. She has led the team with great respect and had always used her best abilities to serve the women’s team,” Seth said for Sana in a PCB’s press release.
Having the reservations for the general manager Shamsa, Sana further denied attending the training camp earlier, before Pakistan women team is scheduled to play a bilateral series against New Zealand.
(Read Also: Sana Mir Declines To Join Pakistan Women’s Team Camp)
Last week, PCB availed the services of Mark Coles as a chief coach, as Pakistan Women will host White Ferns in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for three ODIs and four Twenty20 internationals between October 31 and November 14.
Interestingly, all the matches have been scheduled at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium in Sharjah.
Sana has represented Pakistan in 102 ODIs and 75 T20Is. She claimed 176 wickets across formats.
The 26-year-old Bismah on the other side featured in 92 ODIs and 74 T20Is. While relying on leg-spin bowling, she collected 65 wickets in limited-overs cricket.