Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana calls for gender equality in cricket

Pakistan national women's cricket captain Fatima Sana has issued a passionate call for gender equality within the sport, expressing her desire to see equal treatment, resources, and fan enthusiasm for both the men's and women's national teams.

Speaking following her performance in Australia's Women’s Big Bash League, the 25-year-old star shared her vision of packed stadiums for women's fixtures matching the massive crowd turnouts traditionally drawn by the men's side.

Following her team’s six-wicket win over Melbourne Stars on Nov 8, Sana was asked about the state of women’s cricket in Pakistan.

Sana, an elite all-rounder who took over the captaincy in 2024, is currently featuring for the Perth Scorchers alongside international icons such as Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney. 

She stands as only the second Pakistani cricketer to play in the WBBL, following former skipper Nida Dar.

Reflecting on her stint in Australia after a recent victory over the Melbourne Stars, Sana highlighted how competing alongside top international talent broadens perspectives and expressed hope that more Pakistani players will earn opportunities in overseas leagues to help elevate the game back home.

The call for structural growth comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistani cricket, following the team's bronze medal win under Sana's leadership at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Beyond individual achievements, including holding the world record for the fastest international half-century in women's T20 cricket, Sana views the broader development of the domestic game as essential for sustainable success.

Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to host its first-ever major ICC women's tournament with the expanded 12-team T20 World Cup in 2028. 

Having previously hosted major men's events, including the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, the nation expects the landmark tournament to serve as a major catalyst.

Sana emphasized that hosting global competitions on home soil will inspire young girls across the country and encourage families to support aspiring female athletes in pursuing cricket careers.