Breaking barriers: First-ever women’s cricket match held in Swat | The Express Tribune

In a significant moment for women’s empowerment, the women’s cricket league in the picturesque Swat Valley commenced on Tuesday, overcoming local leaders and clerics’ attempts to bar girls from participating, branding their involvement in cricket as “immodest.”

The inaugural match took place at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School grounds in Kabal Tehsil.

Deputy Commissioner Swat, Dr Qasim Ali Khan, took a crucial step in a region marred by a history of militancy, expressing hope that such tournaments would empower women in their lives. This event features 27 players from across the district, with enthusiastic female players hailing it as a positive beginning.

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Khan remarked, “As our girls make strides in education, medicine, and the armed forces, their participation in sports represents a monumental step toward social change—a change that can empower them.”

He noted that they had used this sporting platform to raise awareness and sensitise people about vital issues like gender equality, women’s rights, and education.

In a post on the microblogging site X, Khan praised the girls, invoking the famous idiom “the sky is the limit” to commend their courage. He emphasised their impact extended far beyond sports, inspiring communities and societies worldwide.

Khan stated that women cricketers, with increased support, investment, and opportunities, were poised to achieve even greater milestones, underscoring the limitless potential in each individual and the importance of nurturing talent irrespective of gender.

The deputy commissioner pledged continued support for a future where women are celebrated in sports, respected, and provided equal opportunities to shine.

“May you flourish in every walk of life. May you rise and touch new heights. May you be recognised at every step. The district administration of Swat adores you for making us all proud. Our daughters, pride of the proud,” Khan exclaimed.

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In the first match, Mingora XI cricket team defeated Kabal XI team by seven runs, after a thrilling contest.

Kabal XI won the toss and elected to bowl first. Mingora XI posted a total of 129 runs in their allotted 10 overs, with Manahal scoring 76 and Mahwish contributing 28 runs. In response, Kabal XI adopted an aggressive approach but managed only 96 runs, falling short by 32 runs.

Assistant Commissioner Revenue Babuzi Luqman Khan, Assistant Commissioner Kabal Junaid Khan, Taekwondo International Gold Medalist Ayesha Ayaz, and others attended the event, distributing trophies, certificates, and cash prizes to the players.

The match organiser, Ayaz Naik, thanked the district administration and expressed hope that they would continue to promote sports and offer more opportunities to players.

On Sunday, girls in Charbagh tehsil were barred from playing cricket in the locality’s stadium by residents and clerics on the pretext that it was considered immodest and inappropriate for women to participate in sports.

A cricket match had been arranged for girls from the Babuzai and Kabal tehsils of Swat at the Arena Cricket Ground Complex on Sunday. However, several clerics from nearby mosques and a group of elders reached the stadium and stopped them from playing.

Charbagh Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Yar Khan, Charbagh tehsil Chairman Ihsanullah Kaki, scholars and match coach Ayaz Naik held talks in view of the current situation and the women’s match was cancelled.

Kaki said the girls were barred from playing due to security reasons. “The security conditions in the area are currently unstable as armed individuals are often spotted at various locations.”

He said the match would have been arranged in a ground with boundary walls if they had been informed earlier.