Islamabad: Pakistan women's cricket captain Fatima Sana has called for greater public support and equal recognition for women's cricket, expressing hope that female players will one day attract crowds comparable to those attending men's matches.
Speaking to cricket platform CricBlog TV during the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia, Sana said the growth of women's cricket internationally should be reflected in Pakistan, where the men's game continues to draw larger audiences.
“My dream is to see such a time come,” she said when asked whether Pakistan's men's and women's cricket teams could receive equal treatment. Sana said she wanted women cricketers to receive the same enthusiasm from spectators and opportunities to compete at international level.
The 25 year old, who has captained Pakistan since 2024, is representing Perth Scorchers in the Australian league, becoming the second Pakistani woman to feature in the competition after former captain Nida Dar. Her participation provides an opportunity to compete alongside players from other countries and gain experience in franchise cricket.
Sana credited her Perth Scorchers teammates, including Australian wicketkeeper batter Beth Mooney and former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, for helping her develop her game. She said playing alongside cricketers with international experience had provided opportunities to learn and improve her skills.
The Pakistan captain also highlighted the significance of the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarding Pakistan hosting rights for the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup.
She expressed hope that staging the tournament in Pakistan would encourage more girls to pursue cricket and convince families to support their participation in the sport. The 2028 event will be the first ICC women's tournament hosted by Pakistan and will feature 12 teams, creating an opportunity to increase the visibility of women's cricket in the country.
Sana's remarks come as women's cricket continues to expand through international tournaments and franchise leagues, offering players opportunities to compete across different cricketing environments.
However, Pakistan's women's team continues to face the challenge of attracting the level of public attention enjoyed by the men's national side. Increasing participation, developing domestic cricket and improving access to competitive opportunities remain important factors in expanding the women's game.
Since making her international debut in 2019, Sana has established herself as an all rounder, contributing with both bat and ball across limited overs formats. In May 2026, she set the record for the fastest half century in women's Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), reaching 50 runs from 15 deliveries against Zimbabwe in Karachi. Her innings helped Pakistan complete a 3 to 0 series victory.
Her performances have also opened opportunities in overseas competitions, including England's The Hundred and Australia's WBBL. With Pakistan scheduled to host the Women's T20 World Cup in 2028, Sana believes the tournament could encourage the next generation of players while increasing public engagement with women's cricket.
The hosting rights offer Pakistan an opportunity to develop interest in the women's game, although sustained growth will also depend on domestic investment, playing opportunities and spectator support.
