Former Pakistani women’s captain Sana Mir declared on Saturday that she would retire from international cricket after a glittering career that saw her become the most prolific female spinner in one-day international history.
The 34-year-old took the top spot in women’s ODI rankings in 2018 and led the squad that took home gold from the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014.
Her rise mirrored the growth of sporting opportunities for Pakistani women, who had not been allowed to play in open fields until the early 2000s.
“It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the great women’s cricket success stories,” she said, according to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
As of her debut in 2005, Sana has played 226 international matches. She’s just one of nine women cricketers who took 100 wickets and scored 1,000 runs in ODI matches. She led Pakistan to two World Cups as well as five T20 World Cups.
But selectors dropped her from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, hinting that her career was nearing an end. “It’s the time to move on,” Sana said.
“I know I have contributed to my country and the sport to the best of my ability,” she said.
PCB chief executive Wasim Khan said in a statement that “Mir has been the face of Pakistan’s women’s cricket for many years and a real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers.” “By her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country.
