PISQ Principal Ch. Muhammad Afzal with staff and players at the event.
Doha, Qatar: In collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) hosted the “ICC Criiio Women Cricket Festival 2025” on October 24, 2025, at the PISQ Cricket Ground.
The event served as a remarkable platform celebrating women’s participation in cricket, offering an inclusive and empowering opportunity for women and girls above 13 years of age from the community — most of whom had no prior cricket experience.
With a month of rigorous coaching and training, these enthusiastic participants showcased exceptional team spirit and passion for the game.
The event was graced by the presence of Ahmed Najib Al Bakri (Liaison Officer) Qatar National Team (U19), as a chief guest, whose arrival brought immense excitement and encouragement to the players and attendees.
The chief guest was warmly received by Ch. Muhammad Afzal, Principal of PISQ, along with all Vice-Principals of the school. Their collective support and enthusiasm amplified the energy of the event.
Notable contributions came from Nooh Moinudeen, Head of Cricket Sport Development; AD Melani Hiroshi Abeysinghe, Assistant Coach, Technical Manager, QatarWomen’s National Team U(19); QCA officials and scorer, Boda Handi Sameera along with team; Majid Khan, Head of PISQ Sports Department; main Leads of the Event Saira Younas and Hira Aziz; and Timothy Healey and Shoaib Afridi, who diligently worked and trained participants throughout the month.
The event began with a heartfelt recitation followed by the National Anthems of Qatar and Pakistan, creating a patriotic and unifying atmosphere.
The matches commenced in a joyful and spirited ambiance under a pleasant afternoon sky, setting the perfect tone for a festival of sportsmanship and camaraderie. A total of twelve enthusiastic teams participated in the tournament, divided into two groups — Pool A and Pool B. Competing under Pool A were Star Strikers (the winner team), Night Star, Mountain Pride, GB Falcons, Jia’s Jahanbaz, and Dynamic Duo, while Pool B featured Gladiators, Predators (the runner-up team), Dominators, Eagles, The Royals, and Crown Lines.
