Sana Mir awarded lifetime MCC membership

Sana Mir awarded lifetime MCC membership

Asher Butt 

Former Pakistan women's cricket captain Sana Mir, who called it a day in 2020 from international cricket after a remarkable 15-year career, has been awarded with the prestigious honor of being a lifetime membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord's.

Mir, who captained the Pakistan team in both T20I and ODI formats, left behind a legacy of excellence. She led her team to victory in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, showcasing her leadership prowess on the international stage.

Upon receiving the lifetime MCC membership, Mir expressed her deep gratitude.  "I am truly honored and humbled," she stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by women in sports.  She highlighted this recognition as a testament to the collective effort of all women who paved the way for her success.  Mir further praised the MCC for "celebrating my journey" and being a community that values women's cricket.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this induction process who recognized my dedication and passion for cricket and my country.

“As women in sports, we face many challenges, but moments like these make every sweat drop, every injury, and every sacrifice worth it. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of not just me, but all the women who have paved the way for me in this sport.

“I would like to thank MCC again for celebrating my journey. I am humbled to be part of a community that values and supports women in cricket and sets the bar high for all related to this beautiful sport,” she added.

Mir's cricketing career is a testament to her dedication and skill. She debuted ODI in 2005, played 120 matches (most for a Pakistan women cricketer), tallied 1,630 runs (3rd highest for Pakistan) and claimed 151 wickets (shares 4th position in all-time list). She reached a career-best bowling figure of 5/32 and scored a career-best of 52 runs

Her T20Is, debut was in 2009 as she played 106 matches and scored 802 runs and took 89 wickets. Her a career-best T20I score was 48*.

As a captain, she led Pakistan in 72 ODIs (winning 26) and 65 T20Is (winning 26). Led the team at two World Cups (2013 & 2017) and five WT20 World Cups (2009-2016). She was also named captain of Wisden's Women's Team of the Decade and was included in the ICC Women's Committee as a player representative alongside Mithali Raj.

Mir etched her name in cricketing history by becoming one of only five women to achieve the ODI double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets. She is the first Asian woman to play 100 T20I matches.

While retiring from international cricket, Mir remains actively involved in promoting the sport.  Her dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring women cricketers around the world.