Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Hina Munawar, a police officer with a solid history in operations and security, has been appointed as the first female team manager for the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Munawar, a veteran of the Frontier Constabulary in the high-risk Swat region, has been named the Operations Manager for the Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s Tri-Nation series, which kicks off in Karachi on February 19.
Cricket fans, experts, and the media are all curious about Munawar’s appointment, even though senior retired bureaucrat Naveed Akram Cheema will remain as team manager. Munawar moved into a variety of security and law enforcement positions after completing the Civil Superior Services exam.
“Perhaps her appointment is aimed at streamlining operations within the team and between players and the board, as she has worked in strategic and leadership roles, helping to streamline various operations,” a source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told PTI.
In addition to joining the PCB last year, Munawar was named manager of the Asia Cup-bound Pakistan women’s under-19 squad.
“She made history as the first female district officer in the Frontier Constabulary in Swat, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field,” the source added.
Since Munawar is still employed by the Pakistani Police Service, it is believed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi brought her onto the board on deputation. Her hiring will bring new viewpoints to the typically coaching-focused and male-dominated setup, which is part of the PCB’s goal to streamline team management and create a more organized and efficient workplace.