SYDNEY (Kashmir English): Captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, Fatima Sana has signed a one-year contract with the Australian club Perth Scorchers for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Following the announcement made by the Australian club on Saturday, Fatima has become the second Pakistani cricketer to participate in this major event.
According to a statement issued by the club, the 24-year-old all-rounder will be available for the Perth Scorchers for the first eight matches of the WBBL’s 12th edition, which begins on October 29.
An extension to her stay is also possible, though it will depend on permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
If the Board exempts her from attending the training camp scheduled ahead of the anticipated tour of the West Indies in December, she will be able to play further matches in the league.
With this contract, Fatima Sana becomes the second Pakistani player to feature in the Women’s Big Bash League. Previously, former captain Nida Dar played 11 matches for the Sydney Thunder during the 2019 edition.
This marks Fatima Sana’s second appearance in a foreign T20 league this year; she has previously played for Birmingham Phoenix in ‘The Hundred’ tournament.
In a statement released by the Perth Scorchers, Fatima Sana expressed her delight, saying, “I used to watch the WBBL from Pakistan and wonder what it would feel like to be part of such a magnificent tournament.”
She added, “Donning the Scorchers jersey, representing such a fantastic club, and stepping out onto the WACA Ground in front of the fans is a truly special moment for me.
She noted that “The support from fans back home makes this experience even more memorable; it is truly a dream come true.”
A right-arm medium-fast bowler and middle-order batter, Fatima Sana began her international career in 2019 and quickly established herself among Pakistan’s premier all-rounders.
She has had the honor of representing Pakistan in over 130 white-ball matches to date.
Earlier this year, she set a new world record for the fastest Women’s T20 International half-century by scoring 50 runs off just 15 balls against Zimbabwe.
