Absence of international cricket from Pakistan may have impacted players’ exposure but a young commentary talent has emerged in the country and on Wednesday the world listened her describe a special moment in the game. When Pakistani skipper Babar Azam reached his century against Australia in the second test, it was Urooj Mumtaz, a Pakistani woman commentator, who made the occasion special.
Mumtaz’ presence in the commentary box, in a way, reflects the paradox of Pakistan—orthodoxy on one side and progress on the other.
Pakistanis thanked co-commentator’ Waqar Younis for going silent and letting Mumtaz ‘do the talking’ in that special moment.
#waqaryounis does the right thing and stay silent when #uroojmumtaz speaks #PAKvAUS
— shujat ali (@shujatali) March 16, 2022
“Urooj Mumtaz is a real one for calling out this play so brilliantly,” said a Twitter user as soon as Babar got to his ton.
Credit where due, Urooj Mumtaz is a real one for calling out this play so brilliantly 💯
— Ammar. (@Ammar_AliKhan) March 15, 2022
In a home series against Zimbabwe in 2020, Urooj Mumtaz became the first woman commentator from Pakistan to officiate in a men’s ODI played at Rawalpindi.
On Wednesday, impressed by her commentary, a fan said he believes that Mumtaz, a former Pakistani women’s cricket captain, was an excellent addition to the international panel of commentators.
Really impressed with Urooj Mumtaz's commentary. She is a great addition to the international panel of cricket commentators…
— Uzair (@Uzair_Afaq) March 15, 2022
Some Pakistanis think Mumtaz is an inspiration for women in the country who have stayed away from sports commentary for a long time now.
Loving your commentary.
The way our females carry themselves is a source of inspiration for so many reasons.@mir_sana05 , @ZAbbasOfficial are doing tremendous job.
Stay blessed 🇵🇰🇵🇰
— Muhammad Aamir Ehsan (@MAamirEhsanFsd) March 15, 2022
On Wednesday, for some fans, it was their ‘most favourite’ commentary, for others, Mumtaz giving words and emotions to the Pakistani skipper’s long-awaited century — “the lion roars, king is back” — was true representation of Babar army’s emotions. They thought she captured the very essence of their emotions.
“The King is Back” my most favourite ever Urooj Mumtaz commentary!
— TEAM SM 18 🇵🇰 (@SM18_squad) March 16, 2022
Your commentary was so good literally representing babar azam fans emotions at that point
— Mustafa (@MustafaSays_) March 15, 2022
Pakistan has lately seen more and more women enter the world of sports commentary. Mumtaz also featured in a ‘List of all the top Female Cricket Commentators in the World’ in November last year.
Those tracking Mumtaz’ commentary over the last 18 months or so praised the improvement in her skill, saying her analyses may bring her international prospect.
On a lighter note, Urooj Mumtaz's commentary has improved a lot. Love to hear her. Her analysis aren't bad either. In the start, ups and down in her voice weren't in sync. Now, she's killing it. She might be invited to ICC tournaments in future. Won't be surprised #PakVsAustraila
— Gaind Balla 🏏🇵🇰 (@itsmesaboor) March 15, 2022
While Urooj Mumtaz has been complimented for her commentary, especially in the men’s cricket, she feels that Pakistan’s women cricket needs to come out of a shell.
She has also demanded PSL for women: “We have seen how PSL has helped our men’s team and I am hopeful that it will be the same for women’s team as well. It will help players gain confidence by playing alongside bigger names, but it will also give them awareness about the game which seems missing and will teach them how to win matches”.