KARACHI: Saira Jabeen has become one of Pakistan cricket’s most inspiring stories after making her international debut for Pakistan women’s national cricket team in the first T20I against Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team at Karachi’s National Stadium on May 12.
The 25-year-old batting all-rounder from the remote Kalash Valley in Chitral became the first female cricketer from the Kalash community to represent Pakistan at the international level.
Although Saira scored five runs off five balls, including one boundary, her debut carried significance far beyond the scoreboard.
A Childhood Spent Playing With Boys
Saira’s cricket journey began in the mountains of Chitral, where organised opportunities for girls in sports were limited.
She said she started by playing tap-ball cricket with boys in her area.
“Tap-ball cricket was played mostly by boys in our area, and I was the only girl playing with them,” she said in an interview.
Saira explained that she often tried to avoid attention while playing.
“I used to wear trousers and a shirt and hide my hair so that no one would recognise me,” she said.
However, she said her community remained supportive of her passion for cricket.
“Even if someone recognised me, it was not a problem because my community was very cooperative,” she added.
Her brother also played a major role in encouraging her.
“My brother used to take me to the ground himself,” she said.
Playing Cricket in Traditional Kalash Dress
As she grew older, Saira began playing cricket while wearing traditional Kalash clothing.
That created practical difficulties during matches and training sessions.
“Sometimes my cap would fall. Sometimes my earrings would fall,” she recalled.
She admitted that some boys questioned why she was playing cricket.
“Some boys would say, ‘Why are you playing? You are a girl. Go home.’ But mostly, I did not face any major difficulty,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Saira continued to play cricket alongside boys, competing equally in batting, bowling, fielding and training.
Struggles in Peshawar
After completing intermediate studies, Saira moved to Peshawar for higher education and to pursue cricket more seriously.
But she said many cricket clubs refused to accept her because she was a woman.
“In Peshawar, I visited many clubs. They rejected me because I was a girl and only boys used to play there,” she said.
Eventually, one academy coach allowed her to train after she explained that her family supported her cricket ambitions.
Saira said hostel life in Peshawar also created difficulties.
“I could not wear trousers and pants there. I could not focus properly and my improvement was slow,” she said.
Moving to Lahore for Better Opportunities
Determined to continue her career, Saira later moved to Lahore, where she believed cricket opportunities were greater.
She managed her life independently while focusing entirely on cricket.
“My father trained me to be independent in managing things and making decisions,” she said.
Saira revealed that her father, a teacher, was the first graduate and first teacher from the Kalash community and had demanded the establishment of the first school in the area.
“I found a mentor and learned how to approach and train for cricket properly. It helped me a lot,” she said.
Dream Becomes Reality
Saira described her Pakistan call-up as the fulfilment of years of sacrifice and hard work.
@pcb Conquerors’ Saira Jabeen 90 runs vs Challengers | National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2025 | Round 8 | PCB CONQUERORSvCHALLENGERS BackOurGirls
♬ original sound – Pakistan Cricket Board – Pakistan Cricket Board
“I became very happy when I was selected for the Pakistan women’s team. I worked hard for it,” she said.
“My dream became a reality because of my family’s support.”
Her mother also expressed pride over her daughter’s achievement.
“My daughter became a player. I am thankful to God,” she said.
“I pray that she progresses further in her career.”
Friends from Kalash Valley also celebrated her debut and thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for creating opportunities for young players from remote regions.
For Saira, however, the journey is only beginning.
“I invest my money, energy and time in cricket. I want to make records for Pakistan cricket and inspire future generations that they can do it as well,” she said.
