Lahore: The excitement is building as the U19 Women’s T20 Tournament 2024 is set to commence on October 14 at the LCCA ground in Lahore. This year’s tournament, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will feature five teams under the guidance of prominent cricket figures, including former national players Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, and Saqlain Mushtaq.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the tournament will be played in a double-league format, with the top two teams advancing to the finals on November 3. The competition aims to showcase the talents of young female cricketers and provide them with an opportunity to secure a spot in the Pakistan Women’s U19 team for upcoming international events.
Waqar Younis will mentor the Challengers, while Misbah-ul-Haq will guide the Conquerors. The Stars will benefit from Shoaib Malik’s experience, and the Strikers will be under the mentorship of Saqlain Mushtaq. However, Team Invincibles will be without a mentor, as Sarfaraz Ahmed is unavailable due to national commitments.
The tournament promises intense competition and a platform for young cricketers to shine. With 75 players participating, the event also features significant incentives, including a prize pot of PKR 1.1 million, with PKR 0.5 million awarded to the winners and PKR 0.3 million to the runners-up.
Each team consists of 15 members selected by the national women’s selection committee after country-wide trials held earlier this year. The selection process, overseen by former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq and former international cricketer Batool Fatima, was stringent, ensuring that only the best young talents were chosen.
The tournament’s schedule includes two matches each day, providing fans with plenty of action and opportunities to support these rising stars. The first match will start at 9:00 am, followed by the second at 1:00 pm each day of the competition.
This event not only highlights the growing emphasis on women’s cricket in Pakistan but also the PCB’s commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level. The U19 Women’s T20 Tournament is a crucial step towards nurturing future champions and enhancing the stature of women’s cricket nationally and internationally.