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 such as Pakistan Women to compete consistently when their players do not have access to franchise cricket opportunities.
The former England skipper's statement came after India's dominant victory over Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. In the Group A match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Sunday, June 14, the India Women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated Pakistan Women by 64 runs in a one-sided contest.
It Is an Unlevel Playing Field - Nasser Hussain on Women's Cricket Gap
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Nasser Hussain said that the result of the India-Pakistan match was predictable even before the game began. He argued that criticism of Pakistan should be viewed in the context of the unequal opportunities available to women's teams around the world.
"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."
🔴 IT'S UNFAIR WITH PAKISTAN - NASSER HUSSAIN 🤯
— Sam (@cricsam02) June 16, 2026
The gap between India & Pak is growing bcz their players get fewer opportunities in major franchise leagues.
More franchise cricket helps players improve faster. Here Players miss out on many top leaguespic.twitter.com/zZpUbMWRhx
India produced a dominant performance against Pakistan, posting 170/6 in their 20 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana led the way with 68 runs off 44 balls, hitting nine boundaries and helping India build a strong platform.
They Are Playing More Franchise Cricket, They Get Better - Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain said that the current structure of women's cricket gives stronger teams an advantage. He said players from leading nations benefit from regular opportunities in franchise leagues, which helps them improve their skills and raises the overall standard of their national teams.
"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."
Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur laid the foundation with a 91-run partnership. Mandhana scored 68, while Harmanpreet added 36. Richa Ghosh then provided a strong finish, blasting 34 runs off 17 balls with five fours and one six.
It Is Not Fair for Bangladesh and Pakistan - Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain said that talented cricketers from Pakistan and Bangladesh should be picked by franchise teams around the world to help create a more competitive global game. Hussain added that Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana and Bangladeshi cricketer Marufa Akter deserve chances in major leagues.
"So it is not fair for Bangladesh and Pakistan, who don't have players going off to play in The Hundred. You know, Marufa Akter from Bangladesh took wickets again yesterday, and Fatima Sana as well. These are excellent cricketers. World cricket and franchise cricket should be signing these cricketers so that the competition is genuinely worldwide."
Pakistan struggled in the chase and were bowled out for 106 runs in 17 overs. Deepti Sharma starred with the ball for India, returning remarkable figures of 5/10, while Sree Charani provided strong support with 3/21 as India secured a commanding victory.
