The Pakistan Cricket Board recently announced Fatima Sana as the new captain of the Pakistan women’s team, who will lead the 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. The fast-bowling all-rounder replaces 37-year-old Nida Dar.
In April 2023, Nida Dar was announced as the skipper of Pakistan’s women’s team. She recently led Pakistan in the ninth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals. The highlight of Nida Dar’s captaincy was a clean sweep of 3-0 against the Proteas in a T20I series at home, as well as an away T20I series win over the White Ferns after a 2-1 victory during Pakistan’s limited-overs tour of New Zealand in December 2023.
Following the announcement of the captaincy change, many cricketers and fans reacted on the social media platform ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter. The decision to appoint Fatima Sana as the new skipper received mixed reactions. While some welcomed the appointment of the new captain, others questioned the timing of the announcement.
Newly appointed Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana tweeted about her feelings on being entrusted with the captaincy by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reflecting her sense of responsibility. She also indicated that the role of the skipper is not just an individual achievement but a collective journey with the backing of her fans.
Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra questioned the decision to appoint Fatima Sana as the new captain. Chopra highlighted that captaining a national team is a “massive task,” particularly for a player who is still “just coming of age” and beginning to establish herself on the international stage. Former Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof congratulated Fatima Sana on becoming the new captain of the Pakistan women’s side but also questioned the timing of the announcement, expressing that she either should have been appointed as captain earlier to receive proper grooming, or Nida should have continued as captain through the World Cup.
Former Pakistani batter Javeria Khan expressed both support and concern over the appointment of the new skipper. She extended her best wishes to Fatima Sana but also voiced her concerns about the timing of this decision, describing it as “very strange and unsatisfactory.”
Bismillah!
There’s no greater honour than leading your country on any stage. I’m deeply honoured by the great responsibility entrusted to me by the @TheRealPCB. I humbly request your support and prayers as I step into this new chapter of my career. As always, I’ll give my all to… https://t.co/1TcXuMgiM3— Fatima Sana🇵🇰 (@imfatimasana) August 25, 2024
Fatima Sana named captain for Pakistan women’s team. Isn’t it a bit too early for a young talented player to be handed the reigns this early? It’s a massive task for a player who is just coming off age and making her presence felt in international cricket @TheRealPCB. https://t.co/chIDGGq4Mm
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) August 25, 2024
It’s an honour and privilege to captain Pakistan Team. Wishing you all the best with this huge responsibility Fatima Sana 🤗🇵🇰
However, the timing is very strange and unsatisfactory. This should have been done before for Fatima to be further ready to assume this role as she had… https://t.co/6ecRbNnf8s
— Javeria Khan (@ImJaveria) August 25, 2024
Feel like something is definitely wrong in Pakistan women’s cricket
1st Javeria Khan & Bismah Maroof retiring & now Nida Dar replaced as captain on the eve of the T20 World Cup
Those are massive shoes to fill
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) August 26, 2024
Congrats to Fatima Sana on being named captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for the World Cup! This is indeed a great honor and responsibility. While there’s no questioning Fatima’s passion, dedication, and commitment to the team, the timing feels a bit off. 1/2 https://t.co/nXzvXkdhtJ
— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) August 25, 2024
She either should have been made captain earlier to be properly groomed, or Nida should have remained captain through the World Cup. Nonetheless, Wishing the very best for Pakistan women’s cricket. 2/2
— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) August 25, 2024
