KARACHI – The fifth annual Australian High Commission (AHC)-Jalaluddin Cricket Academy (JCA) Girls’ School Cricket Cup concluded in Karachi, celebrating a spirit of competition and empowerment. The event brought together 60 young girls from four schools for a day of spirited cricket following an intensive two-week coaching clinic.
The participating schools included the Ismail Academy, Nasra Public School, Greenland Schools, and Happy Home Orphanage. The girls received mentorship and shared wisdom from several prominent figures in Pakistan’s cricket community, including the legendary Javed Miandad, former national team captain Mushtaq Mohammad, and current women’s team player Kainat Imtiaz.
Further boosting the girls’ experience, members of Australia’s visiting Over-40s Cricket Team worked alongside the participants during the tournament, focusing on building confidence, fostering teamwork, and developing essential leadership skills. Australian High Commissioner, Timothy Kane, underscored the initiative’s importance. “Australia’s continued support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan promotes gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and empowers girls through access to sport,” he said. The initiative, which began in Islamabad in 2016, has since expanded to Lahore and Karachi. “Australia and Pakistan share a passion for cricket, and the Australian High Commission is pleased to support initiatives that break barriers and create opportunities for girls to thrive across Pakistan,” Mr. Kane added.
Jalaluddin, JCA Chairman and former Pakistan test cricketer, praised the long-standing partnership, emphasizing the critical role of the program. “Grassroots cricket development is vital for the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan. This partnership with the Australian High Commission will go a long way in creating opportunities for young girls,” he stated.
