By Zainab Shafiq 
Nida Dar, who took over as the captain of Pakistan women’s cricket team in April, is determined to discover and promote emerging talent in the country. Currently attending a skills camp in Karachi, Dar expressed her commitment to closely monitor and identify potential players.
Highlighting the significance of the camp, Dar, one of the most experienced cricketers in the country, emphasized its role in preparing young players for international cricket. “This emerging talent is our backup, and we need to get them ready for international cricket,” she stated.
Dar is receiving support from head coach Mark Coles, who was also present at the skills camp. Under Coles’ previous tenure, Pakistan achieved notable feats, including a commendable fifth-place finish in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-2020.
Addressing the issue of lacking power hitters in the team, Dar acknowledged the weaknesses and assured that they would be addressed over time. She mentioned the ongoing efforts to identify power hitters and work on their skills, assuring fans of improvement in the near future.
Looking ahead to future tours, Dar emphasized the importance of having a balanced team and involving all players. While mentioning senior players like Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan, Dar stressed the need for collaboration to achieve success.
Over the next 11 months, from August 2023 to July 2024, Pakistan’s women’s team is scheduled to play 15 ODIs as part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship, along with 17 T20Is.
Upcoming bilateral series for Pakistan Women:
- August-September 2023: vs South Africa (three ODIs and three T20Is at home)
- October-November 2023: vs Bangladesh (three ODIs and three T20Is away)
- November-December 2023: vs New Zealand (three ODIs and three T20Is away)
- February 2024: vs West Indies (three ODIs and five T20Is at home)
- July 2024: vs England (three ODIs and three T20Is away)
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