Javeria Khan, the senior batter for the Pakistan Women’s Cricket team, is one of many players who don the Pakistan star while representing her country. In a recent interview, Kahn firstly put to rest the rumours of jealousy that have spread throughout the women’s team, suggesting that the team have set aside any negative hearsay to prevent a distraction from the sport that would inhibit the performance of the team. In response to this gossip, each woman has donned the Pakistan star as they play, signifying a sincerity firstly while representing their country, and secondly, a unity between them. This shows that they are unbothered by what is being said about them.
Therefore, despite the gossip surrounding the team, the women have put any disputes to bed to continue towards their next target: the Women’s World T20. While their tournament record is far from impressive, Kahn has stated that she is hopeful for success for her team. Kahn blatantly accepts that the team, up to this point, have not done well. However, they allow the challenge that lies ahead and know they can better their abilities with time and practice. They are confident to do well and hope to finish amongst the top four.
While striving for the top position as a whole team, Kahn has also set her own targets to achieve while at the World Cup. Admitting that she doesn’t usually give herself such personal goals, she hopes to become a leading run-scorer in the upcoming tournament, the result of this to generally better herself. She warns that thinking you’ve become perfect can lead to a stagnation in skill and therefore, instead, you should continuously strive to improve yourself. Kahn essentially expresses that herself, and the team, will play according to the situation and to the best of their ability.
Part of their plans for success will partially become possible with the help of newcomer Ayesha Nasim, whose enormous talent has been praised by Kahn herself. Stating that their newest player will do well for the future, Kahn is now hopeful, as the fresh talent is a good sign for the team. However, the team has said goodbye to Sana Mir, their former captain, who has decided to take a break from cricket to evaluate her future. Branded as ‘legend’ by her teammates, her presence within the group, along with her skill and ability, make her a player who is to be greatly missed.
By Grace Lea
