Shaiza, Sharmeen, and Kiran elected MCC members

Shaiza Khan, Captain, Sharmeen Khan, Vice-Captain and Kiran Baluch member of the Pakistan Women's Cricket Control Association have been privileged to be accepted as the Full-Members of Marylebone Cricket Club, (M.C.C.), at Lord's, United Kingdom. The three women cricketers were invited to play for the M.C.C., the most prestigious cricket club in the world in 1999 when the membership for women was opened after 112 years with Queen Elizabeth II being the only lady as the patron of the club.

Shaiza Khan was honoured to open the account for the M.C.C. by facing the first ball bowled in 112 years, hitting the first run and boundary. Sharmeen Khan and Kiran Baluch also represented the M.C.C. in its inaugural year, 1999.

In the letters dated January 15, 2003 from Mr. Roger Knight, Secretary and Chief Executive of M.C.C., addressed to the above three women cricketers confirming their Full Membership, with effect from January 01, 2003, he said 'I have pleasure in welcoming you as a Member, and express the hope that you will enjoy a long and happy association with the Club; and may I further add that the Committee sincerely hopes that you will continue to play for M.C.C. as often as possible'.

Shaiza, Sharmeen and Kiran are the only Asian women cricketers to achieve this honour, as the waiting period to attain membership is 27 years. The above is only one of the achievements amongst many others that PWCCA has in order not only to promote and develop women's cricket but to also raise the profile of women's sports in Pakistan.

It may also be mentioned here that Pakistan won the first ever match, Pakistan vs. M.C.C. in 213 years played in England in August 2000. This victory has become a prominent feature of M.C.C.'s history at Lord's and Queen Elizabeth II, of England, congratulated PWCCA at this historic achievement along with General Pervaiz Mushraf, President of Pakistan, stating that your efforts in promoting women's cricket will be a great contribution towards women's development in Pakistan.

Mohd. Iqbal
Press Secretary
Pakistan Women's Cricket Control Association
January 24, 2003