Nahida Khan attracts curtains on 14-year worldwide profession
Nahida Khan, the one feminine cricketer from Balochistan to have represented Pakistan, has referred to as time on her 14-year worldwide profession.
Nahida, 36, made her Pakistan debut on the age of 23 in 2009 against Sri Lanka and went on to play 66 ODIs and 54 T20Is, scoring 1410 runs at 23.50 and 604 runs at 13.13 respectively. She was a part of the final three 50-over World Cups (2013, 2017 and 2022) and has performed 4 T20 World Cups from 2012 to 2018. Nahida holds the file for probably the most catches in an ODI innings, taking 4 in Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2018.
Her 79 against South Africa on the 2017 ODI World Cup was the very best particular person rating by a Pakistan batter in a 50-over World Cup earlier than it was overhauled by Sidra Ameen in 2022.
“I am grateful for the unwavering support I received throughout my career. I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their guidance and belief in my abilities. I also want to thank the passionate fans who supported me throughout my journey, both in Pakistan and across the globe,” Nahida mentioned.
Nahida final turned out for Pakistan on the 2022 ODI World Cup, having been recalled into the aspect after almost a yr. She performed 4 video games, scoring 9, 40, 43 and 0, with Pakistan solely profitable one match in seven.
Nahida has since then been concerned in teaching. She was the assistant coach of PCB Blasters within the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket event and in addition labored alongside head coach Taufiq Umar within the profitable Amazons aspect, within the Women’s League exhibition matches this yr.
Nahida hails from a Pashtun household of the Achakzai tribe and grew up in an surroundings unconducive for girls cricketers. “The biggest appreciation is obviously how she not only survived but thrived in an environment which wasn’t supportive in Quetta,” former quick bowler and commentator, Marina Iqbal advised ESPNcricinfo. “She came as a middle-order bat but developed herself as an opener. Did perform in bits n pieces like others but had a great work ethic and sportsmanship and was a team player.
“A participant who simply needed to take pleasure in her cricket any likelihood offered to her to be out within the area. She has at all times stood out as a hardworking participant and I extremely admire her as a result of not solely did she pave the best way for herself but additionally for a lot of ladies in Quetta who’ve began to play cricket due to the power and dedication Nahida confirmed. She will at all times be an inspiration for a lot of on the market dreaming to take up the sport and play for Pakistan.”
Nahida has been dropped multiple times during her 14-year career but always got herself back into the reckoning through powerful domestic performances. She started her domestic career in 2004, representing Quetta Women in the national women’s cricket championship. She was also among the top players recruited by Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited. In all, Nahida scored 3812 runs in List A cricket with three centuries, and also has 1854 T20 runs.
“Nahida Khan’s contribution to ladies’s cricket in Pakistan shall be remembered,” Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick said. “Her dedication, talent, and fixed willpower have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers to observe their desires and pursue greatness. As Nahida embarks on the following chapter of her life, the cricketing fraternity, followers, and well-wishers lengthen their warmest needs.”