Veteran spinner Nida Dar has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for all formats. She takes over the role from Bismah Maroof, who stepped down as the leader of the team after Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Notably, Dar is one of the most experienced and skilled players in the women’s cricket arena. She is also the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is, having taken 126 scalps from 130 matches, with an average of 18.18 and an economy rate of 5.47. In addition to her impressive bowling skills, she has also scored 1687 runs in T20Is, at a strike rate of 100.95. In ODIs, she has taken 91 wickets and scored 1535 runs from 99 games.
After being named as the Pakistan skipper, Dar expressed her excitement and thanked the nation’s cricket board for entrusting her with such a big role.
“It is a huge responsibility, and I am excited to lead the team in the upcoming events. I want to thank the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility and will do my best to take the team forward,” said Dar in an official statement.
Dar also expressed her gratitude towards Bismah, stating that the former Pakistan skipper did her job extremely well and she will look to continue the legacy of Bismah.
“I also want to thank Bismah Maroof for her services as the captain of the team. She has done a fantastic job, and I hope to continue her legacy and lead the team with the same passion and commitment. The upcoming season of women’s cricket is going to be a tough one,” added Dar.
Apart from naming Dar as the captain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the appointment of Mark Coles as the head coach and Saleem Jaffar as the head of the women’s selection committee.
