Former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed concern over the growing gap between the top teams and emerging nations in women’s cricket. Hussain said it is difficult for teams like Pakistan Women to compete consistently when their players do not have access to franchise cricket opportunities.
The former England captain’s statement came after India’s spectacular victory over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. In the Group A match at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Sunday, June 14, India women’s team led by Harmanpreet Kaur defeated Pakistan women by 64 runs in a one-sided encounter.
It’s an uneven playing field – Nasser Hussain on women’s cricket gap
Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Nasser Hussain said that the result of the India-Pakistan match was predictable even before the start of the game. She argued that criticism of Pakistan should be seen in the context of unequal opportunities available to women’s teams around the world.
“Actually, I’m being a little harsh on Pakistan. I felt like I knew the result before we even got into the match. You know, it’s unfair – it’s an uneven playing field.”
This is unfair to Pakistan – Nasir Hussain
The gap between India and Pakistan is increasing as their players get less opportunities in the major franchise leagues.
More franchise cricket helps players to improve faster. Here players miss out on many top leaguespic.twitter.com/zZpUbMWRhx
– Sam (@cricsam02) June 16, 2026
India performed brilliantly against Pakistan and scored 170/6 in 20 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana scored 68 runs off 44 balls, hitting nine fours and helped India build a strong platform.
The more they play franchise cricket, the better they are – Nasser Hussain
Nasir Hussain said that the current structure of women’s cricket gives advantage to stronger teams. He said players from leading countries benefit from regular opportunities in franchise leagues, which helps them improve their skills and improves the overall standard of their national teams.
“You look at the big sides, and it’s a bit self-perpetuating because they’re playing more franchise cricket, they’re getting better, and because they’re getting better, their country is getting better. And because that happens, they play more franchise cricket.”
Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur laid the foundation by making a partnership of 91 runs. Mandhana scored 68 runs, while Harmanpreet added 36 runs. After this, Richa Ghosh provided a strong position to the team by scoring 34 runs in 17 balls with the help of five fours and one six.
This is not fair for Bangladesh and Pakistan – Nasir Hussain
Nasir Hussain said talented cricketers from Pakistan and Bangladesh should be picked by franchise teams around the world to help create a more competitive global game. Hussain said Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana and Bangladeshi cricketer Marufa Akhtar deserve a chance in the major leagues.
“So it’s not fair to Bangladesh and Pakistan, who don’t have players going on to play in The Hundred. You know, Marufa Ector of Bangladesh took wickets again yesterday, and Fatima Sana too. These are excellent cricketers. World cricket and franchise cricket should sign these cricketers so that the competition is truly worldwide.”
Pakistan struggled to chase the target and were all out for 106 runs in 17 overs. Deepti Sharma performed brilliantly with the ball for IndiaReturned notable figures of 5/10, while Sri Charani provided strong support with 3/21, leading India to a resounding victory.
