Former England captain Nasser Hussain has raised concerns about the widening gap in women’s cricket between established sides and emerging teams such as Pakistan Women. He believes the lack of regular franchise cricket opportunities for players from smaller or less-developed systems is making it increasingly difficult for them to compete on equal terms at the top level.
Hussain’s remarks came after India Women produced a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan Women in their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Sunday, June 14. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side looked in complete control from start to finish, and the result underlined the gulf in quality between the two teams on the day.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Hussain said the outcome felt predictable even before the first ball was bowled. However, he stressed that criticism of Pakistan should be viewed through the broader lens of structural imbalances in women’s cricket rather than as a simple reflection of a single poor performance.
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“I’m being a bit harsh on Pakistan, actually. I sort of felt I knew the result before I turned up to the game. You know, it is unfair — it’s an unlevel playing field,” Nasser Hussain said.
India backed up that assessment with a polished batting display. After being asked to bat first, they posted 170 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Smriti Mandhana leading the charge. The stylish left-hander struck 68 off 44 balls, hitting nine boundaries and giving India the ideal platform to build a match-winning total.
Hussain argued that the strength of teams like India, England and Australia is not accidental. In his view, players from these nations benefit from more exposure to franchise leagues, which sharpens their skills, boosts competition, and ultimately raises the overall standard of their national sides.
“You look at the big sides, and it’s a bit self-perpetuating because they are playing more franchise cricket, they get better, and because they get better, their nation gets better. And because that happens, they play more franchise cricket,” he explained.
India’s innings was further strengthened by a 91-run stand between Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Harmanpreet made 36, while Richa Ghosh provided a late surge with a blistering 34 off 17 balls, featuring five fours and a six. Hussain also called for greater opportunities for talented players from Pakistan and Bangladesh in major franchise leagues, naming Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana and Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter as examples of cricketers who deserve a bigger stage.
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He said world cricket would benefit if more such players were signed by top leagues. Pakistan, meanwhile, struggled badly in the chase and were bowled out for just 106 in 17 overs. Deepti Sharma starred with a sensational 5 for 10, while Shree Charani supported brilliantly with 3 for 21 as India sealed another dominant win.
