PATH BREAKING VICTORY FOR PAKISTAN WOMEN'S
CRICKET ASSOCIATION IN THE LAHORE HIGH COURT

Advocate Faisal Hussain Naqvi, on behalf of Pakistan Women's Cricket Association, argued that the duty to regulate women's cricket in Pakistan is a Sovereign function and therefore the responsibility must lie with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Criticizing the assertion of Pakistan Cricket Board that it was only responsible for regulation of men's cricket in Pakistan, the learned council stressed that the Cricket Board could not restrict its responsibility to the regulation of the sport on basis of gender much like it could not confine its responsibility on the basis of religion and ethnicity.

The council for the Pakistan Cricket Board conceded to Mr. Naqvi's argument and the Lahore High Court has ordered the Board to resolve the issue of representation within 10 weeks.

Currently, there are several women's cricket organizations that contend to be the true representative organization of women's cricket in Pakistan. These claims have led to confusion and a consequent retardation of progress of women's cricket in Pakistan. Such disputes have in the past plagued not only women's cricket in this country but also the entire sport of football. The issue was taken to Court on the behest of Ms. Azraa Parveen, Secretary General of Pakistan Women's Association. This decision will help settle the dispute over representation once and for all and have an immensely positive impact on the women pursuing the game of cricket in Pakistan.