Pakistan’s national women’s cricket captain, Fatima Sana, has urged fans and stakeholders to give the female team the same level of attention and support that the men’s side enjoys. Speaking after a recent victory over the Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Sana highlighted the need for parity in attendance, media coverage and overall investment.
Since taking the helm in 2024, Sana has become a prominent figure in international women’s cricket. The 25‑year‑old all‑rounder holds the world record for the fastest international 50 in women’s T20 cricket and led Pakistan to a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan.
Her WBBL stint with the Perth Scorchers has seen her claim five wickets in five matches, placing her joint‑10th in the league’s most‑wickets chart. Sana, who also played for Birmingham Phoenix in England’s The Hundred, praised the supportive environment in Australia and expressed a desire to see more Pakistani girls join overseas leagues.
“It is an honour to play here and have the opportunity to play alongside my teammates; they’re very supportive and helpful,” Sana said. “Personally, I wish for more and more girls from Pakistan to come and play in Australia so that cricket can grow back home in Pakistan, too.”
Looking ahead, Sana sees the upcoming 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup—scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan—as a pivotal moment for the sport. The tournament will be the first ICC women’s event held in the country and will feature 12 teams, up from 10 in previous editions.
“It’s a great step by the ICC that the 2028 World Cup is taking place in Pakistan, which will encourage more women players to come forward,” Sana said. “When more girls watch the World Cup at home, their parents will also be inspired.”
By calling for equal stadium attendance and broader support, Sana hopes to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket in Pakistan and inspire a new generation of female athletes.
Source: Al Jazeera
Read the original article
Editorial note: This is an original news report prepared from the attributed source material with AI assistance. It is not a reproduction or translation of the original article.
