KARACHI - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar M Khan said Wednesday night that female cricketers would be facilitated and protected more in order to promote them and improve their standards and skills from the grassroots level.
Speaking at the gold medal and cash award ceremony in honour of Pakistan women cricket team by Chief Executive Omar Associates Nadeem Omar for retaining their gold medal in the Incheon 17th Asian Games held in Korea (Incheon), Shaharyar said it was great achievement by them. Cash award of Rs one million was to the team and 10 gram 22 carat gold medal were also presented to each member of the team. "Exclusive grounds for the girls will be allocated and they will be taught how to combat and deal with harassment," he stressed. He said more club matches for women's players will be launched to increase their exposure and quality.
The PCB chairman said they had received very good report of Pakistan women team from umpires and referees during the Asian Games. "These women showed great behaviour on and off the field was exemplary which was a great compliment for the nation," Shaharyar Khan pointed out.
He praised the role of captain Sana Mir, coach Mohatashim Rasheed and Manager Ayesha Ashar and all members of the team.  Host Nadeem Omar said the whole nation was proud of the accomplishments of Pakistan women's team for bringing honour and glory for winning the lone goal for the country in Asiad.
 "These women's are not behind Pakistan men team and their feats are laudable," Nadeem Omar said.  "As compared to men cricketers, women cricketers create less problems and more foccused," he maintained. He recalled that they have been promoting, patronizing cricketers like Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Nasir Jamshed, Saad Nasim, M Irfan etc.
He showered praise on his coach and close associate Azam Khan, who he said got great eye in spotting talented cricketers. He declared Azam Khan an asset in hunting talent and nurturing them. "Hats off for Pakistan women team's amazing performance, Sana Mir led the team by an example," he said.  Pakistan women team captain Sana Mir, manager Ayesha Ashar, former Test cricketer Salahuddin Ahmed, PVCA Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan, and PCB regional women wing head Mrs NA Sherazi also spoke on the occasion.  The reception was also attended by former Test cricketers Sadiq Muhammad, Shoaib Muhammad, Jalaluddin, Nadeem Khan, KCCA president Prof Ejaz Faruqi, ex-KCCA chief Siraj Bukhari, Collector Customs Shaukat Ali, Masroor Mirza large number of first class cricketers, KCCA officials and cricket organisers.