After hanging up her boots, Sana Mir did not step away from the game — she stepped into a bigger role. The former Pakistan captain, now inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, has used her post-retirement platform to become a tireless advocate for women’s cricket. From mentoring rising stars to speaking out for gender equality in sport, Sana’s second innings is proving just as impactful as her first — and perhaps even more transformative for the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan.
Through her inspirational journey, both on and off the field, Sana has emerged as a powerful role model for aspiring women cricketers in Pakistan. With this prestigious recognition, she has stepped into a realm where young girls can now aspire to follow in her footsteps and dream of global honour.
First woman cricketer from Pakistan
Sana is the first woman cricketer from Pakistan to receive this accolade — a truly remarkable feat. She navigated a challenging path, not only to play cricket but to excel at it with distinction. Representing a team that has often struggled for recognition on the international stage, Sana stood out. With her craft as an off-spinner, she rose to world number one in 2018 and became a leading voice and ambassador for women’s cricket across Asia. Her ICC Hall of Fame induction will undoubtedly inspire generations of women cricketers.
Her achievements speak volumes. In a country where, until the early 2000s, girls were rarely allowed to play in open fields, Sana became one of the pioneers. Over a 15-year career — eight of them as captain — she took 151 wickets in 120 ODIs, the most by any Pakistani woman. She also claimed 89 wickets in 106 T20Is, the second-highest for Pakistan behind Nida Dar’s 144. Under her leadership, Pakistan clinched the Asian Games cricket gold medal in 2010 in China.
Powerful advocate for women’s cricket
Post-retirement, Sana became a powerful advocate for women’s cricket — analysing matches, mentoring young players, and sharing her wealth of experience. From former captain Bismah Maroof to current skipper Fatima Sana and spinner Sadia Iqbal, many have credited her for influencing their careers. When Sadia reached the top of the women’s T20I bowling rankings earlier this month, she publicly acknowledged Sana’s guidance as a key factor.
Sana is now a symbol of hope for women in sport — a guiding light that can help pave the way for aspiring sportswomen across Pakistan.
Why is Sana’s Hall of Fame honour a breath of fresh air? Because it came in the same week as the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, which ranked Pakistan 148th — dead last — with just 56.7 per cent gender parity. The report sparked a storm of online criticism, labelling Pakistan among the worst places in the world for women.
Far from ideal
Even if the numbers seem overstated, the reality for many women in Pakistan remains far from ideal. This is why role models like Sana Mir are crucial. In her own words, she once said that taking up cricket as a girl was a daunting task. Facing ridicule from neighbours and relatives, she played in the streets with boys — there were few girls around. “If I told you how difficult my journey to the national team was, it would take a full day’s transmission,” she told a local TV channel.
Yet, she didn’t just earn the national cap — she went on to achieve global acclaim. Today, as a commentator and an advocate, she continues to be a strong voice not just for women in sport, but for gender equality in all spheres. This new honour will further amplify her voice — and the hope is that authorities will now harness her stature to advance women’s empowerment. Sana’s leadership can help elevate women at every level — in sports, in society, and beyond.
A place in history
Sana Mir has earned her place in history. With her influence and dedication, she can guide the next generation to even greater success — and, in doing so, help narrow the gender gap in Pakistan.
