In our latest exclusive interview, Alex Hartley – England’s 2017 World Cup-winning spinner, trailblazing coach for Multan Sultans, and cricket commentator – talks to Saj about her groundbreaking journey in Pakistan cricket, coaching philosophy, and the evolving landscape of the PSL. From navigating a male-dominated dressing room to advocating for women’s empowerment through sport.

By Saj Sadiq (April 09, 2025)

Key topics include:

"Creating opportunities for young girls in Pakistan cricket" – Her coaching role not only challenges entrenched gender norms but also serves as a beacon of hope for young girls aspiring to break barriers in sports. By stepping into a traditionally male-dominated field, she inspires others to dream beyond societal expectations and actively contributes to the growth of women's cricket in Pakistan.

“I wasn’t sure how I’d be respected in the dressing room" – Overcoming initial apprehensions in Pakistan’s cricket environment, she navigated concerns about acceptance and respect, proving her capability and earning her place among colleagues. Her journey highlights the resilience required to thrive in challenging spaces.

“PSL is becoming a competition everyone wants to join" – The Pakistan Super League has grown into a global cricketing phenomenon, attracting overseas stars due to its competitive quality, international exposure, and vibrant fan base. Its success underscores Pakistan's rising stature in franchise cricket.

“Pakistan have had double the coaching staff in a year" – This critique reflects frustration with PCB’s frequent changes in leadership and management, which have led to instability and inconsistency in team performance. Such disruptions hinder long-term growth and strategic planning.

“Coaching is alien to me; commentary is second nature" – Balancing dual careers, she acknowledges her comfort with commentary while adapting to the unfamiliar terrain of coaching. This duality showcases her versatility and commitment to contributing to cricket through diverse roles

“Consistency is all Pakistan cricket needs” – Addressing the national team’s struggles, she emphasizes the importance of stability and long-term planning as key solutions for improving Pakistan’s white-ball cricket performance.

https://youtu.be/cytubZtCjVA?si=X_WkPJjJQXit4NtI