Islamabad, May 14,2026: The Australian High Commission, in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board and Serena Hotels, hosted the Islamabad leg of the AHC–PCB Girls’ Cricket Cup on Thursday, celebrating 10 years of Australia’s support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan.
The tournament brought together young female players from government schools and community institutions across Islamabad, using cricket as a platform to promote confidence, leadership, and skill development among girls.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane congratulated the participants and highlighted the importance of continued investment in women’s sports.
“Cricket is a powerful force for connection between Australia and Pakistan. But just as importantly, it creates opportunity — giving girls the confidence, skills and pathways to shape their own futures,” he said.
He added that as Australia’s ODI men’s team prepares to tour Pakistan later this month, the Girls’ Cricket Cup reflects the strength of bilateral cricket ties, ranging from grassroots development to elite-level competition.
The initiative was launched in Islamabad in 2016 with the aim of creating opportunities for underprivileged girls through sports. Since then, it has expanded to Lahore and Karachi, contributing to increased participation of girls in cricket across Pakistan.
Participants also received pre-tournament coaching from PCB coaches to improve technical abilities and develop leadership skills.
Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships in strengthening the future of women’s cricket in the country.
Serena Hotels, a long-standing partner of the initiative, reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, inclusive sports, and youth development in Pakistan.
The tournament featured teams from Islamabad Model College for Girls Punjgran, Islamabad Model School for Girls F-6/1, Islamabad Model School for Girls I-9/1, and SOS Children’s Village H-11.
The event reflects Australia’s broader commitment to promoting gender equality and social inclusion through sports as part of its international development and sports diplomacy initiatives.
