Sana Mir retires from international cricket

“I want to extend my gratitude to the PCB for giving me an opportunity to serve my country for 15 years,” Mir said. “It has been an absolute honour and privilege. I extend my gratitude to all the support staff, players, ground staff and everyone behind the scenes for their contribution in my career and development of women's cricket.”

“I also want to thank my family and mentors who provided unconditional support that allowed me to fulfil my dreams of representing Pakistan at a global stage and would also like to thank my departmental team ZTBL for their support throughout my career. I look forward to continue serving them if department cricket continues.”

The 34-year-old last played for Pakistan against Bangladesh in November 2019, after which, she took a self-imposed break to plan and reset her future objectives and targets, missing Pakistan’s series against England in Kuala Lumpur. She then played in the domestic T20 tournament in Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup but didn’t have a favourable outing then. That resulted in her being left out of Pakistan’s squad for the global tournament, which was the first time since her debut in 2005 that Mir had missed out on an ICC event.

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“Last few months have provided me with an opportunity to contemplate. I feel it is the right time for me to move on. I believe I have contributed to the best of my ability for my country and the sport,” said Mir, who has led Pakistan in 137 matches.

“When I reflect on my debut, it gives me great satisfaction that I have been part of the process that has eventually resulted in a packed-to-capacity Lord’s for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final, something that was further boosted by a record 87,000 spectators for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These are great success stories for women’s cricket.”

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Mir captained Pakistan in in the Women's World Cups in 2013 and 2017 and in the five T20 World Cups between 2009 to 2016.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to ICC for its continuous support to women’s cricket,” she said. “Tournaments like ICC Women’s Championship have been a real game changer, especially for teams like Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka as they proved vital in helping us express our talent at the international level.”

“Last but not the least, all the cricket fans and supporters around the world. Words fall short when I want to thank all of you for your love, support and encouragement you extended in the past 15 years. It has been an honour to serve Pakistan in cricket and to wear the green jersey with absolute pride. It is time for me to move on. InshaAllah the service will continue in essence and in a different form. Pakistan Zindabad.”

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Mir bows out of the game as Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 151 wickets and second-highest in T20Is with 89 scalps. With 1630 runs in the 50-over format, she is third in the list of most runs scored for Pakistan.

“On behalf of Pakistan cricket, I congratulate Sana Mir on a highly successful career. She has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers,” said Wasim Khan, PCB Chief Executive.

“Through her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country. Through her performances, she not only improved the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, but also enhanced the image of Pakistan globally.

“Sana is a true legend of women’s cricket who attracted, inspired and motivated young women athletes. Moving forward, I am sure she will continue to contribute positively to women’s cricket.”