In a heartwarming and significant development for Pakistan’s sporting world, former national women’s cricket team captain Sana Mir met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to discuss the future of cricket in Pakistan, particularly the advancement of women’s participation in the sport.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, came shortly after Sana Mir’s prestigious induction into the Hall of Fame, a landmark achievement that celebrates her incredible contributions to cricket, both nationally and internationally. During the meeting, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to Sana Mir and expressed the pride the entire nation feels in her accomplishments.
Prime Minister’s Commendation
While addressing the former skipper, PM Shahbaz Sharif lauded her for her leadership, stating, Under your captaincy, the Pakistan women’s cricket team made tremendous strides and achieved global recognition. You have made Pakistan proud with your talent, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication.
The Prime Minister went on to express his confidence in Sana Mir’s future role in grooming the next generation of cricketers, urging her to use her experience and platform to uplift emerging talent across the country. He emphasized that the government is committed to promoting sports on the basis of merit and wants to provide equal opportunities and facilities for both men and women athletes.
In every field, we are prioritizing merit, inclusivity, and excellence, the Prime Minister said. And women’s sports, especially cricket, is a vital part of that vision.
Sana Mir’s Response and Vision
Sana Mir, humbled by the recognition, thanked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for his encouragement and pledged to continue working for the growth of women’s cricket in Pakistan. She expressed her deep desire to represent Pakistan globally through various forums such as the World Cricket Association and the ICC.
“I am grateful for this recognition and honored to represent Pakistan on international platforms,” said Sana Mir. But there is still much work to be done to bring women’s cricket to the forefront, both at home and abroad.
She also used the opportunity to present suggestions to the Prime Minister for further developing cricket infrastructure, with a special focus on initiatives that could elevate women’s participation in the sport. Her proposals reportedly included:
- Establishment of cricket academies specifically for girls
- Increased funding and facilities at the grassroots level
- More domestic tournaments for female cricketers
- Mentorship programs led by senior players
Sana highlighted the untapped potential among young girls in both urban and rural areas, stressing the need for structured programs that could identify and nurture hidden talent across Pakistan.
Government’s Commitment to Sports Equality
The meeting also shed light on the government’s broader efforts to ensure gender equality in sports. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif reiterated his administration’s commitment to breaking down barriers that limit female athletes and vowed to invest in inclusive sports infrastructure.
This is not just about cricket; it’s about setting a national example, he said. When we empower women in sports, we empower society as a whole.
He also instructed relevant departments to consider Sana Mir’s suggestions and explore the possibility of a national women’s sports policy, which would streamline efforts and allocate resources more effectively to empower female athletes.
A Role Model Beyond Cricket
Sana Mir’s journey from national athlete to global ambassador and now a Hall of Famer is an inspiring story for countless young Pakistani girls who dream of excelling in sports. With over 100 One-Day Internationals to her name and numerous accolades, she is not only one of Pakistan’s most decorated athletes but also a respected voice in international cricket.
Her meeting with the Prime Minister serves as a milestone in recognizing the impact of women in sports and the importance of giving them a seat at the decision-making table.
The high-level meeting between Sana Mir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif represents more than just a ceremonial honor—it is a powerful signal of Pakistan’s commitment to sports development and gender inclusion. With Sana Mir actively involved in shaping the future of cricket, especially for women, Pakistan appears poised to nurture a new era of equality, excellence, and international success in sports.
