The Multan Sultans cricket team has made history by appointing the first woman General Manager (GM) in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Twenty-eight-year-old Hijab Zahid is not only the youngest GM in the franchise’s history but also one of the few women globally to head a T20 franchise.
Hijab Zahid currently serves as the director of Grassroots Cricket and is taking over the position from outgoing GM Haider Azhar. With a master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Hertfordshire, Zahid brings a strong academic background to her role. She has previously worked as the media manager for Islamabad United.
Ali Tareen, who co-owned the Multan Sultans team, announced the news on social media. He referred to Zahid as “South Asia’s first woman GM in men’s cricket.” Tareen also highlighted her qualifications and commitment to her role. He pledged to hire three female coaches before the start of the PSL and expressed his intention to achieve gender parity within the franchise.
Zahid acknowledged the challenges of asserting authority as a woman in a male-dominated field. She mentioned the need for conversations and workshops to address this dynamic, especially when people have had limited interactions with women in positions of power. She aims to pave the way for more women to enter various roles within the sports industry, including analysts, presenters, and media managers.
This historic appointment reflects a positive step towards greater gender inclusivity and diversity in the world of cricket and sports management.
