LAHORE: Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Sana Mir finally decided to hang up her boots on Saturday after an outstanding 15-year long career which had more highs than lows.
Sana, a legendary figure in women’s cricket in the country, announced her retirement with a statement to the press that said: “I want to extend my gratitude to the PCB for giving me an opportunity to serve my country for 15 years. It has been an absolute honour and privilege. I extend my gratitude to all the support staff, players, ground staff and everyone behind the scenes for their contribution in my career and development of women’s cricket.”
Despite her wonderful achievements and sound standing, there was some talk of Sana’s career perhaps coming at crossroad after her former captain and current chief selector Urooj Mumtaz came at the helm as a powerful figure in the women’s cricket affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sana was not selected for the last T20 World Cup held in Australia amid rumours of her differences and not so cordial relations with Urooj.
On Saturday, Sana further said: “I also want to thank my family and mentors who provided unconditional support that allowed me to fulfill my dreams of representing Pakistan at a global stage and would also like to thank my departmental team ZTBL for their support throughout my career. I look forward to continue serving them if department cricket continues.”
“Last few months have provided me with an opportunity to contemplate. I feel it is the right time for me to move on. I believe I have contributed to the best of my ability for my country and the sport,” said Sana, hinting at things not being too smooth for her in recent months.
Sana was made Pakistan captain in 2009, replacing Urooj from the post and she continued in that role till 2018. Sana’s nine year long tenure at the helm had become a bumpy ride for women’s team towards the end saw bumpy roads when and that prompted the new PCB regime under Ehsan Mani to make some tough decision, including bringing in Urooj as chief selector and giving her all powers to deal with the women’s cricket affairs.
Sana also missed a tour of England which was held before the World Cup and she could play only one ODI match in the home series against Bangladesh before Urooj sidelined her from the national team named for the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan, however, flopped badly at the World Cup but the PCB did not take any action against anyone for that fiasco. Though Sana’s successor, Bismah Maroof in the media talk had said that she wanted to have Sana in the World Cup squad because of her vast experience, but finally a unanimous decision was taken to drop her to give chance to a youngster.
Sana’s statement further said: “During my cricket journey, I have met and built strong friendships and bonding with some amazing cricketers in women’s cricket. Listening about their stories and philosophies have not only made me a tougher and stronger athlete but have also taught me great things about life, which are beyond yourself or the sport or winning and losing,” Sana said.
“When I reflect on my debut, it gives me great satisfaction that I have been part of the process that has eventually resulted in a packed-to-capacity Lord’s for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final, something that was further boosted by a record 87,000 spectators for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These are great success stories for women’s cricket.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to ICC for its continuous support to women’s cricket. Tournaments like ICC Women’s Championship have been a real game changer, especially for teams like Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka as they proved vital in helping us express our talent at the international level.
“Last but not the least, all the cricket fans and supporters around the world. Words fall short when I want to thank all of you for your love, support and encouragement you extended in the past 15 years. It has been an honour to serve Pakistan in cricket and to wear the green jersey with absolute pride. It is time for me to move on. InshaAllah the service will continue in essence and in a different form. Pakistan Zindabad.”
Meanwhile, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan paid lavish tribute to Sana. “On behalf of Pakistan cricket, I congratulate Sana Mir on a highly successful career. She has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers.
“Through her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country. Through her performances, she not only improved the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, but also enhanced the image of Pakistan globally.
“Sana is a true legend of women’s cricket who attracted, inspired and motivated young women athletes. Moving forward, I am sure she will continue to contribute positively to women’s cricket.”
Under the current circumstances, it seems unlikely that the PCB will involve Sana in any role, at least during the incumbent set up.
Sana played her first ODI against Sri Lanka in 2005 in Karachi and the last against Bangladesh in Lahore in 2019. Overall she played 120 ODIs, taking 151 wickets and scoring 1630 runs.
She is the fourth highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket jointly with West Indies’ Anisa Mohammad. Another major achievement of her career is becoming the number one bowler in the ICC ODI bowling rankings in 2018. She had also played 106 T20Is, taking 89 wickets and scoring 802 runs.
Sana led Pakistan in 72 ODIs, winning 26 and losing 45, besides captaining in 65 T20Is, winning 26 and losing 36. She was also named captain of Wisden’s women’s team of the decade., besides getting including in the ICC Women’s Committee as a players’ representative.
Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2020