Sana Mir Makes History
First Pakistani Woman Cricketer Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
In a landmark moment for women’s cricket, former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming the first Pakistani woman cricketer to receive this prestigious honor.
Sana Mir’s induction recognizes her outstanding contributions to cricket and her role in pioneering women’s cricket in Pakistan. The off-spinner and former captain represented Pakistan in 226 international matches, taking 240 wickets and scoring 1,630 runs across formats.
Peak Performance
Sana Mir reached the pinnacle of ODI bowling in 2015, becoming the first Pakistani woman to achieve the #1 ODI Bowler ranking in ICC rankings. She held this top position for several months, cementing her status as one of the world’s best spinners.
Mir’s career spanned 14 years from 2005 to 2019, during which she became a global ambassador for women’s cricket and an inspiration for young girls in Pakistan and beyond.
ICC Hall of Fame Credentials
- First Pakistani woman inductee
- 226 international matches
- 240 international wickets
- Former ODI captain (2009-2017)
- Peak ODI ranking: #1 bowler #1
A Trailblazing Career
Career Highlights
2005
Made international debut against Sri Lanka
2009
Appointed captain of Pakistan’s ODI team
2010
Led Pakistan to gold at Asian Games
2014
Reached #2 in ICC ODI bowling rankings
2015
Achieved #1 ODI bowler ranking
2019
Retired from international cricket
2021
ICC Hall of Fame induction
Breaking Barriers
Sana Mir’s journey was never just about personal achievements. In a country where women’s cricket faced numerous challenges, Mir became the face of change, proving that Pakistani women could excel at the highest level of the sport.
“Reaching the number one spot was a dream come true, but more importantly, I wanted to show young girls in Pakistan that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
Her ascent to the top of the ODI bowling rankings in 2015 was particularly significant as she became the first Asian woman spinner to achieve this feat. During her peak, Mir’s economical bowling and ability to take crucial wickets made her one of the most feared bowlers in women’s cricket.
Dominance as World’s Best Bowler
#1 ODI Bowler Achievement
- Achieved #1 ranking in October 2015
- First Pakistani woman to top bowling rankings
- Maintained top position for 22 consecutive weeks
- Best bowling figures during peak: 5/32
- Economy rate of 3.66 during #1 period
Bowling Masterclass
During her time as the world’s top-ranked bowler, Sana Mir displayed remarkable consistency. Her off-spin bowling was characterized by:
- Exceptional control and accuracy
- Subtle variations in pace and flight
- Ability to bowl tight spells in powerplays
- Knack for breaking crucial partnerships
At her peak, Mir took 37 wickets in 20 matches between 2014-2015 with an average of 18.27, the best among all bowlers during this period.
Impact Beyond Cricket
Role Model
Mir became a symbol of empowerment for young girls in Pakistan, showing that women could succeed in sports traditionally dominated by men.
Advocate for Equality
She consistently spoke out for better facilities, pay, and recognition for women cricketers in Pakistan and globally.
Post-Retirement Work
After retiring, Mir has worked as a commentator, coach, and continues to promote women’s cricket development programs.
Global Recognition
Sana Mir’s induction makes her one of only a handful of women cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame, joining legends like Belinda Clark, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, and Enid Bakewell. Her inclusion marks a significant step in recognizing the contributions of women cricketers from emerging cricket nations.