LONDON: Fatima Sana will become the first Pakistani woman to play in The Hundred after being selected by the Birmingham Phoenix.

Pakistan captain Fatima was overlooked in the original tournament auction in March. But the all-rounder was drafted in on Thursday as a replacement for fellow overseas player Lucy Hamilton, who has been withdrawn after receiving a central contract by Australia.

The 24-year-old is currently playing for Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

The Hundred, which starts in England on July 21, had been embroiled in controversy after reports that Indian investment into the 100-balls per side competition would lead to a silent ban on Pakistan players being selected.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the eight franchises in The Hundred eventually released a joint statement saying “players must not be excluded on the grounds of nationality”.

Those fears proved unfounded after Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq were snapped up in the men’s auction.

Fatima’s addition to the women’s event is a further boost for Pakistan cricket.

“Fatima Sana is a real statement of in­tent. She is Pakistan’s captain, an international-class pace bowler and a brilliant replacement for Lucy Hamilton,” Phoenix performance director James Thomas said.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026