Leaders from seven different countries bagged contracts at the WPL auction on Monday in a game-changing moment for women’s cricket. One country that was not in the running missed the moment, however, Pakistan cricketers never got a chance to feature in the league due to living entirely off the auction list.

Former Pakistan captain and commentator Urooj Mumtaz said –

“It is extremely unfortunate to see Pakistan players missing out. Every opportunity should be fair and inclusive, and all opportunities are steps towards collectively raising the level of the women’s game and growing the game globally. Most importantly That they bridge the quality gap between cricket playing nations.”

Outside Pakistan, reaction to Pakistan’s absence has been largely muted, with broadcaster Alison Mitchell being the most prominent critical voice highlighting the lack of “a level playing field”, and expressing concerns about the financial gulf it would open up between Pakistan’s female cricketers and the rest.

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Mitchell tweeted –

“Equality is only equality when all players have an equal opportunity to enter an auction. Feel for how much these figures will grow the gap between Pakistan players and the rest. No Pakistan players in WPL Auction as per IPL.”

Equality is only equality when all players have an equal opportunity to enter an auction. Feel for how much these 💰 figures will grow the gap between Pakistan players and the rest. No Pakistan players in #WPLAuction as per #IPL.

— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) February 13, 2023

Mumtaz said she “100% echoed” the view, as did another former PAK captain, Sana Mir.