Mir, Abbas and Pakistan's cricket team wins big at Pakistan Sports Awards

Pakistan's women's cricket team took home the 'Team of the Year' award, which caps off an eventful few months for the squad. In that time, the team has experienced some ups and downs, including a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, where they won only one match. However, they finished their season on a high, bringing women's international cricket back to Pakistan in a three-match T20 series against West Indies. They then went on to register their first ever ODI series win over the same opponents in UAE.

The face of women's cricket in Pakistan, former captain Sana Mir was voted the 'People's Choice Award (Female)'. An experienced campaigner with 215 international caps to her name, Mir has had a memorable year. It saw her jump up to the number one spot in ICC's ODI bowling rankings, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat. She was also named in ICC's ODI Team of the Year for 2018. Earning this award is a fitting conclusion to an exceptional season with the ball for Mir.

Zainab Abbas, the renowned sports journalist and a pioneer for women in the space in Pakistan, was also awarded for her efforts. She was named 'Sports TV Host of the Year'. Abbas has made a name for herself in an industry that used to be dominated by men and, along the way, has inspired many to pursue their dreams in a similar career, proving if you are passionate and determined, you can achieve anything.

This initiative is a brilliant way of placing men's and women's sport at an equal level. With an award show like this telling people all over Pakistan about what their women have achieved, it will no doubt inspire young girls country-wide.