In Pakistan, a nation where cricket reigns supreme, few people have traditionally followed football—especially women’s football. But that’s beginning to change.

Newly appointed president of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Syed Mohsin Gilani, says he’s determined to make football more inclusive and popular among women and girls.

“We want to promote mass participation of girls in football,” says Gilani.

For years, the development of the women’s game in Pakistan has been stunted—partly due to FIFA suspensions and limited international exposure. In fact, the national women’s team has only played three official matches in the past two years.

But a fresh wave of energy is coming from abroad, as talented British-Pakistani footballers step up to play for the national team and inspire change.

Rising Stars from the UK

One such player is Layla Banaras, a 19-year-old defender and former Birmingham City talent. She made headlines at 16 as the first South Asian woman to play for the club.

“You don’t really see many South Asian players in the Women’s Super League,” Layla explains. “I want to be someone others can look up to—to show them it’s possible.”

After years with Birmingham City, Layla is now a free agent. She recently made her international debut for Pakistan during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, helping the team finish as runners-up.

“Pakistan reached out to me a few years ago, but the timing wasn’t right,” she says. “Now felt like the right moment—and it was an amazing experience.”

Though eligible to play for England, she chose Pakistan without hesitation.

“It wasn’t even a debate. I’m proud of my heritage.”

Joining her is Mariam Mahmood, 21, a former West Bromwich Albion player who also answered Pakistan’s call.

“I couldn’t believe they even knew about me all the way from Pakistan,” she says.

But Mariam’s journey wasn’t always easy—especially when dealing with cultural pushback.

“Some people said, ‘Pakistani girls don’t play football,’” she recalls. “But you can’t let culture hold you back. You have to follow your passion.”

Building a New Era for Women’s Football

Layla and Mariam are part of a growing group of six diaspora players representing Pakistan. According to PFF President Gilani, this inclusive approach is key:

“If you’re eligible to play for Pakistan, you should—regardless of where you live.”

But Gilani emphasizes that the long-term goal is to nurture homegrown talent. That includes setting up a dedicated women’s football department, increasing the number of clubs, and launching new competitions for girls and women nationwide.

“We want to take women’s football to every part of the country,” Gilani says.

Layla agrees that there’s still a long road ahead:

“It needs to start at the grassroots—schools, local clubs, and community centers must have access to the game.”

She also hopes to see more South Asian Muslim girls entering academies and making their way into the national team.

As more British-Pakistani footballers bring visibility and experience to the team, a new chapter is opening for women’s football in Pakistan—one defined by empowerment, representation, and a dream of taking the beautiful game to every corner of the country.