Hall of fame

Pakistan has long suffered under a thick blanket of bad labels. But, as underdogs do, our people have always had the will and the fight to shake off the cloak of invisibility and reach for the stars. This is what Pakistani cricketer Sana Mir did, and her perseverance and dedication have finally made her the first Pakistani woman cricketer to enter the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) prestigious Hall of Fame. Mir is also one of the only two women out of the seven inductees. Mir’s illustrious 20-year career saw her become the highest wicket-taker in ODIs and the second-highest in T20Is among Pakistani women, as well as the first to achieve 100 ODI wickets.

Mir’s leadership saw her team achieve significant victories. Even after stepping down as Pakistan captain, she continued to be a vital player, contributing to record-breaking wins. Mir was also a capable batter, joining an elite group of women with over 1000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs. Her inspirational journey cemented her legacy as a pioneer and ambassador for women’s cricket globally. But this is not what makes Mir an icon. It is important to highlight that Mir is from a society where people vehemently object to women’s participation in sports. There are usually largely hidden battles fought to reach where Sana Mir stands today. Mir’s story highlights the wonders our girls can achieve if their wings are not clipped from an early age. These success stories open a world of possibilities for the young, and we hope that more women athletes will come forward and make a name for themselves. Sana Mir has opened the door for the ICC’s Hall of Fame for the countless other Sanas who may be inspired by the beautiful journey that Mir had.

The ICC has also acknowledged her achievements that go beyond the field. Mir has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights in Pakistani cricket, body positivity, mental health and Covid-19 relief efforts. The inclusion of a Pakistani woman is indeed remarkable, especially at a time when Pakistan and India have ties that leave much room for improvement. The context here is that the chairperson of the board of directors of the ICC, Jay Shah, is the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah – a more-than-usual right-wing member of the already right-wing BJP. India’s belligerence recently made matters worse for Pakistan when it had to book neutral ground for India’s matches for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Jay Shah’s silence over the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) theatrics, as chairperson of the ICC, does raise doubts over the unavoidable influence that has seeped into the prestigious institution. That being said, it is hoped that India will use cricket as an opportunity to come out of its war hysteria and focus on building good relations with its neighbour. For now, we can bask in Mir’s glory and swell with pride.