Former Pakistan Captain Sana Mir Announces Retirement From International Cricket :
Former Pakistani women’s skipper Sana Mir declared her retirement from international cricket on Saturday ending an impressive career that lasted for 15 years. Mir has played for Pakistan in 226 international matches, including 137 as captain between 2009 and 2017. The right-hand batter made her ODI debut in December 2005 in Karachi against Sri Lanka while her last ODI was in November 2019 against Bangladesh in Lahore.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to the PCB for giving me the opportunity to serve my country for 15 years,” Mir said in an official statement.
“I have had the chance to consider the past few months. I know it’s the right time for me to move on. I think I’ve contributed to my country and sport to the best of my capacity,” she said.
In October 2018, Mir, who was a critical cog in Pakistan’s bowling line-up, rose to number one on the ICC Women’s rankings for ODI bowlers. She shares the fourth spot on the all-time list with West Indies’ Anisa Mohammed with 151 ODI wickets in 120 ODIs. She is one of the nine women cricketers who took 100 wickets and scored 1,000 ODI runs.
“I met and developed strong friendships during my cricket journey and bonded with some outstanding cricketers in women’s cricket. Listening to their experiences and philosophies not only made me a better and stronger player but also taught me many things about life that are beyond yourself or the sport or win and lose,” Mir said.
In May 2009 the former skipper made her T20I debut in Dublin against Ireland, while in October 2019 she made her last T20I against Bangladesh in Lahore. She took 89 wickets in 106 T20Is and she scored 802 runs.
“As I reflect on my debut, it gives me immense pleasure that I was part of the process that finally culminated in a packed-to-capacity Lord’s finale for the 2017 ICC Women’s
World Cup, something that was further enhanced by a record 87,000 spectators for the Melbourne Cricket Ground ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final. These are fantastic success stories for women’s cricket,” said Mir.
Captaining Pakistan in 72 ODIs, she won 26 and lost 45 and 65 T20Is, winning 26 and losing 36. The right-arm off-spinner was Pakistan’s skipper at two World Cups (2013 and 2017) as well as five ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016).
The 34-year-old cricketer is currently ranked 9th and 41st respectively in the lists of ODI and T20I bowlers at the ICC at International level.
