Pakistan women’s cricket head coach Mohammad Wasim is set to be removed following a disastrous World Cup campaign where the team failed to win a single match, sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
Wasim is on his way out. Despite being given complete control over team selection, support staff appointments, and final playing XIs, the results were simply unacceptable. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to overhaul the system, with a new head coach — most likely a foreigner — to be appointed soon.
From Qualifying Highs to Tournament Lows
Expectations were high after Pakistan women stormed through the World Cup Qualifiers at home earlier this year, winning all five matches in April. But the momentum evaporated once the tournament began.
They lost one of their two winnable matches — against Bangladesh by seven wickets after being bowled out for 129 — while the other, against Sri Lanka, was washed out.
With Wasim being a coach of repute, he was expected to fix the team’s batting and fielding issues. Unfortunately, Pakistan were exposed in both areas. The team failed to complete their 50 overs in any match.
Batting Failures and Missed Opportunities
Pakistan’s campaign was marked by poor shot selection and missed chances. Against Australia, they had the defending champions reeling at 76 for 7 and later 115 for 8 — only to let them recover to 221. Similarly, against England, they reduced the opposition to 133 in a rain-hit match but were 34 for 1 when rain returned, denying them a potential upset.
“Wasim couldn’t motivate the players or the captain, Fatima Sana, who made several tactical mistakes in key matches against Bangladesh, India, and Australia,” said another insider. “He should have guided her better, even through the reserves if needed.”
Selection Blunders Add to the Slide
Wasim’s selection choices have also come under heavy scrutiny.
He did not pick experienced all-rounder Nida Dar all year, weakening the middle order. Dropping Aliya Riaz for the Australia match and bringing in youngster Eyman Fatima, who fell for a three-ball duck, was another baffling call.
Sources confirmed that the PCB is expected to advertise for a new head coach next week.
Foreign Coaches in Pakistan Women’s History
Pakistan have previously worked with foreign coaches with varying success. New Zealander Mark Coles served two productive stints between 2017 and 2019, and again briefly in 2023 before resigning. David Hemp, a former Bermuda captain, led the side from October 2020 to August 2022.
Following Hemp’s departure, Salim Jaffer and Mohtashim Rasheed took interim charge until Wasim was appointed in June 2024. His tenure now appears to be ending less than 18 months later.
