Pakistan women's team all-rounder Sana Mir announced her retirement from international cricket on Saturday (April 25).
Sana played 226 internationals, including 137 as captain from 2009 to 2017, in a highly successful 15-year-long career at the highest level.
The 34-year-old had taken a break from the sport in November last year in order to rethink her future objectives as a cricketer.
Read Also: “Skill-wise we are better batters and bowlers than Australia, England” – Harmanpreet Kaur
"Last few months have provided me with an opportunity to contemplate. I feel it is the right time for me to move on. I believe I have contributed to the best of my ability for my country and the sport," she said in her statement.
"During my cricket journey, I have met and built strong friendships and bonding with some amazing cricketers in women's cricket. Listening about their stories and philosophies have not only made me a tougher and stronger athlete but have also taught me great things about life, which are beyond yourself or the sport or winning and losing."
Having made her debut in 2005 against Sri Lanka, Sana bid adieu to the game with 151 wickets across 120 ODIs, which is joint fourth-highest on the all-time list, and 1,630 runs. She is one of the nine women's cricketers in the history of the game to have taken 100 wickets and scored 1000 runs in the 50-over version.
In T20Is, Sana finishes with 89 wickets and 802 runs across 106 matches in the format after making her debut against Ireland in May 2009.
As captain, her tenure saw Sana leading Pakistan in 72 ODIs (winning 26, losing 45) and 65 T20Is (winning 26, losing 36). She was captain at two ODI World Cups (2013 and 2017) and five T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016).
"When I reflect on my debut, it gives me great satisfaction that I have been part of the process that has eventually resulted in a packed-to-capacity Lord's for the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 final, something that was further boosted by a record 87,000 spectators for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These are great success stories for women's cricket," Sana said.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to ICC for its continuous support to women's cricket. Tournaments like ICC Women's Championship have been a real game-changer, especially for teams like Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka as they proved vital in helping us express our talent at the international level."
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan paid a befitting tribute to Sana, saying: "On behalf of Pakistan cricket, I congratulate Sana Mir on a highly successful career. She has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers."
"Through her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country. Through her performances, she not only improved the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, but also enhanced the image of Pakistan globally."
"Sana is a true legend of women’s cricket who attracted, inspired and motivated young women athletes. Moving forward, I am sure she will continue to contribute positively to women’s cricket," he added.
