Ex-Test cricketer Jalaluddin highlights challenges faced by women cricketers.

KARACHI -- Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Level IV coach Jalaluddin had an in depth session with US Consulate Karachi's Lincoln Corner about 'Empowering Women Through Sports' last Friday.

The session was about empowering Pakistani women through sports particularly in cricket. Jalaluddin shared his pioneering work for Pakistani women cricket, both on a grass root level as well as his role as Chief Selector of Pakistan women's cricket team.

Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the Embassy of the United States of America and selected institutions in Pakistan. They are multi-media resource centers, where visitors can connect and learn about America in many different ways.

The session was moderated by Mahira Ahmed Miyanji, who is an IVLP alumna and winner of NPeace Award by the United Nations Development Programme for Pakistan.

Jalauddin talked about challenges faced by girls in pursuing sports as a career in Pakistan particularly the social/cultural barriers, safety of women and logistical concerns. Jalaluddin, now an internationally known cricket analyst, said: 'Pakistani parents are not comfortable when they see that these three things are not met, especially in the remote areas of Pakistan. That is precisely what my efforts for women's cricket at Customs Cricket Academy achieved - a safe space, logistical support and cultural/social integration.'

One of the biggest concerns in women sports all over the world is equal pay. Jalaluddin addressed the equal pay concerns in the Pakistani women's cricket by saying: 'It is majorly a marketing and...