Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana wants women’s cricket to receive the same support and attention as men’s cricket in Pakistan. Speaking exclusively to CricBlog in Melbourne, Sana spoke about her Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) experience, learning from senior players, opportunities for Pakistani cricketers and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup. She is currently playing for Perth Scorchers and made her WBBL debut by taking 2/27 from four overs against the Melbourne Renegades.
Sana said joining the WBBL has been an honour and praised the support at Perth Scorchers. She is playing alongside White Ferns legend Sophie Devine and Scorchers captain Beth Mooney, giving her a chance to learn from experienced players. “Firstly, Alhamdullilah! To come and play over here and to avail this opportunity is an honour.” She said the experience has helped her personal growth and allowed her to learn from senior cricketers.
Devine has been a source of guidance for Sana during the tournament. She has spoken to her and taken advice, particularly while bowling. Sana praised Devine’s performances and support for younger players. “Of course! She’s a world-class player, and the kind of performances she has all over the world are truly very good and as a youngster when you look at such things and at such kind of players, you also will want to try to learn from them and play with them.” Sana said their communication has been very helpful.
Sana also wants more Pakistani women cricketers to get the chance to play in the WBBL. She believes a league with high standards can help players improve and support cricket’s growth in Pakistan. “Of course! It would be an honour if more Pakistani players came to play over here since it’s my personal wish to see more Pakistani girls come and play over here as so that cricket can grow more in Pakistan.” She linked this wish with the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in Pakistan.
For Sana, the 2028 World Cup can have an impact beyond the tournament. She believes seeing the competition in Pakistan could bring more girls into the limelight and may help them receive permission from their parents to play cricket. She called the development a good sign from the ICC and believes girls playing in Pakistan and overseas can both help the sport grow.
Sana’s biggest dream is to see Pakistan’s men’s and women’s teams treated equally. She wants women’s matches to receive crowds and support that the men’s team gets. “My dream is to see such a time come, of course. It should!” She believes sports should matter regardless of whether players are men or women and hopes crowds will fill the stands for women. Her comments show her hopes for stronger recognition.
Her WBBL experience has given Sana an opportunity to learn from players while thinking about the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan. She wants more Pakistani girls to get opportunities to play, whether in Pakistan or overseas. With the 2028 World Cup set to be held in Pakistan, Sana sees a chance for more girls to come into the limelight and for the women’s game to grow. Her hope remains equal treatment for men’s and women’s cricket in Pakistan.
(Quotes sourced from CricBlog)
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