PCB rewards men's and women's team

The recent successes of Pakistan's men's and women's team has earned them monetary rewards from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The men's team won the ODI and T20 series in the West Indies, while the women had success in the qualifiers for the 2014 Women's World Twenty20.

Each member of the men's team has been given Rs. 200,000 (USD $2000), while the members of the women's team were each given Rs.100,000 (USD $1000.) Misbah-ul-Haq, captain of the men's team, along with Umar Akmal, Zulfiqar Babar and Shahid Afridi were given an additional Rs. 400,000 (USD $4000) for their outstanding performances.

Najam Sethi, the caretaker PCB chairman, was buoyed by their success: "The performances of both our men's and women's teams merited a reward. The tenacity shown by the boys under Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez in the West Indies was quite remarkable.

"The women's team too has maintained an upwardly mobile trajectory, and their achievement of finishing the ICC Qualifiers for the World T20 championship on top of their event is indeed commendable. The PCB management is positive that the cash rewards and recognition shall inspire both teams to keep it up and notch greater accomplishments."

Following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in which they failed to win a single game, Pakistan bounced back strongly in the West Indies, winning the ODI and T20 series by 3-1 and 2-0 respectively. Misbah led the team from the front and was the top scorer in the ODI series with 260 runs at 65. Akmal, who was making his return to the ODI squad, played some valuable knocks and was solid behind the stumps.

Babar, the left-arm spinner, had a dream debut against West Indies in the opening T20 International, picking up three key wickets and striking a six to pull off a thrilling victory. Afridi, who was also making a return in the ODI side, had instant impact by securing a win in the opening ODI with 7 for 12 and 76 off 55 balls, but remained below par for the rest of the tour.

Pakistan women's side had a successful tour in England, thumping England Academy, winning a series against Ireland, and then drew the series against England. They also qualified for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 when they beat Ireland by nine wickets and went on to share the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier trophy with Sri Lanka after rain abandoned their match.