Nahida Khan appointed manager of Pakistan women’s cricket team

Former international cricketer Nahida Khan has been appointed as the manager of the Pakistan women’s team for the forthcoming South Africa women’s series, which is set to commence in Karachi from 1 September.

Nahida has been appointed for the South Africa series only, while Ayesha Ashhar will return as the team manager for Asian Games.

Nahida Khan, 36, who represented Pakistan in 120 matches, scored 2,014 runs and took one wicket.

In a brief coaching stint, Nahida worked as the assistant coach of Blasters in the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament held in Karachi from 19 May to 4 June.

Previously, she deputised head coach Taufiq Umar’s Amazons side, which won the Women’s League exhibition matches 2-1 against Super Women in March.

In the team management, Nahida will be joined by another former international cricketer Kamran Hussain, who will replace Saleem Jaffar as bowling coach.

Notably, Nahida Khan announced her retirement from international cricket in June 2023, 14 years after making her ODI debut in Bogra, Bangladesh against Sri Lanka on 7 February 2009.

She became the only female cricketer from Balochistan to represent Pakistan as she represented the national women’s team in 120 international matches, scoring 2,014 runs and taking one wicket.

She also represented Pakistan in three 50-over World Cups (2013, 2017 and 2022) and in four T20 World Cups (2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018).

Mauhtashim Rashid, who had previously worked as head coach of the women’s team, is named interim head coach of the national side for South Africa and the Asian Games after Mark Coles resigned from the post last week.

Player support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Kamran Hussain (bowling coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Muhammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Zubair Ahmed (analyst), Rifat Asghar Gill (physiotherapist) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager).

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Nahida Khan retires from international cricket

Nahida Khan has announced her retirement from international cricket 14 years after making her ODI debut in Bogra, Bangladesh against Sri Lanka on 7 February 2009.

Nahida Khan became the only female cricketer from Balochistan to represent Pakistan as she represented the national women’s team in 120 international matches, scoring 2,014 runs and taking one wicket.

She holds the record for the most catches in an ODI innings, taking four catches in Pakistan’s 94-run win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2018.

She also represented Pakistan in three 50-over World Cups (2013, 2017 and 2022) and in four T20 World Cups (2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018).

Nahida Khan has also made a foray into the field of coaching, having recently worked as the assistant coach of Blasters in the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament held in Karachi.

Previously, she deputised head coach Taufiq Umar’s Amazons side, which won the Women’s League exhibition matches 2-1 against Super Women in March.

Reflecting on her retirement, Nahid Khan expressed her gratitude to her friends, family, coaches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and for their continuous support.

“I am grateful to the unwavering support I received throughout my career. I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their guidance and belief in my abilities. I also want to thank the passionate fans who supported throughout my journey, both in Pakistan and across the globe.”

Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick lauded Nahida on her retirement and asserted that her contributions towards Pakistan women’s cricket will be remembered for a long time and it will also inspire the upcoming generations.

“Nahida Khan’s contribution to women’s cricket in Pakistan will be remembered. Her dedication, skill, and constant determination have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring generations of cricketers to follow their dreams and pursue greatness.

“As Nahida embarks on the next chapter of her life, the cricketing fraternity, fans, and well-wishers extend their warmest wishes.”

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