Mir said that women cricketers were no less than the men and that their recent success, in which they managed to bag an Asian Games gold medal, was testament to the fact. -Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Members of Pakistan women's cricket team have called for renewed efforts to promote their team and have singled out television coverage as the most important factor that could impact their progress.

Pakistan women's cricket team captain Sana Mir told APP, “We defeated Sri Lanka on the last ball and Ireland beat Netherlands by a single run in the Quadrangular T-20 championship. Considering how thrilling these matches were, live coverage would most definitely have helped in generating interest in women’s cricket.”

Mir said that women cricketers were no less than the men and that their recent success, in which they managed to bag an Asian Games gold medal, was testament to the fact.

“It was due to our hard work and devotion to the game. Women's cricket over the years has transformed into a specialized sport, which requires full time commitment. We are moving forward.”

She said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was supporting women's cricket tremendously and the central contracts were a sign of commitment from the board to promote the game in the country.

Leg-spinner Mir, the Player of the Tournament at the 2008 Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, currently ranks 16th in the ICC Women's ODI bowlers rankings.

Meanwhile another member Nain Abidi was of the opinion that international female coaches could better prepare her team and could understand them better.

She said that the central contracts awarded to them was a great achievement for women cricketers of the country.

“The PCB is also regularly organising domestic competitions for women players and that is improving our standard,” she said.