Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district hosted a women’s cricket match on Tuesday, two days after facing backlash from civil society and many social media users over barring the girls from playing a match in the area two days ago.

“Holding a match is a welcome sign. Women are no less indispensable than anyone,” match organiser Ayaz Naik told Aaj News. “More matches will be organised if the administration supports us.”

Girls in sports kit were seen playing in a lush green area of the Charbagh tehsil in the district. Mingora team beat the Kabal team in a thrilling contest.

On October 1, media reported that local elders and residents stopped a cricket match between two women’s teams in the tehsil. The women’s teams from Kanju and Gulkada were playing a practice match when local elders gathered around the ground and barred the girls from playing on Sunday.

The Kabal team won the toss and decided to ball first. The Mingora team made 129 runs in 10 overs, with Manahil scoring 76 runs and Mehwish 28.

In response, the Kabal had a solid start in their innings. Shehla made a knock of 96 runs, however, it was not enough to win the match. They lost by seven runs.

District officials distributed certificates, trophies, and cash prizes among the players.

Naik thanked the local administration and expressed hope that he would take measures to promote sports in the area and provide opportunities to players.