Former Pakistan women's cricket team captain Sana Mir has been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award of the country. Mir, who represented Pakistan in 120 ODIs and 106 T20Is during her illustrious international career, was presented with the prestigious award by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi.
Mir expressed her delight and gratitude on being awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, taking to social media to share an emotional post. "Humbled and extremely grateful to be awarded Sitara e Imtiaz by the Govt of Pakistan," she captioned the post, thanking the government of Pakistan for the recognition. Mir also expressed her joy at having her family with her to share the moment, people who have supported her through the hardest times.
Sana Mir made her international debut for Pakistan in December 2005 and went on to become an inspiring figure of the sport in the country. During her career, she picked up 240 international wickets across white-ball formats besides scoring 2450 runs with the help of three half-centuries. She was also the first Pakistani woman cricketer to top the ICC Women's ODI Players Rankings, besides being the first Asian woman cricketer to play 100 T20Is, as well as the first Pakistani woman to complete the century of ODIs.
Mir's achievements extend beyond her individual records, as she was also one of the longest-reigning captains of the Pakistan women's cricket team, leading the team for eight years. During her captaincy, the team won two Asian Games gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Her services to women's cricket in Pakistan have been recognized globally, as she was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame last year, becoming the first woman cricketer from the country to be added to the prestigious list.
The award is a testament to Mir's dedication and hard work, which has inspired a generation of cricketers in Pakistan. Her induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is a significant milestone, as she joins the likes of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Javed Miandad, among other Pakistani cricket legends. Mir's legacy continues to inspire and motivate young cricketers, and her award is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to the sport.
The Sitara-i-Imtiaz award is a significant honor, and Mir's receipt of it is a proud moment for Pakistani cricket. Her achievements have paved the way for future generations of women cricketers, and her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate them to strive for excellence. As Mir looks back on her illustrious career, she can take pride in knowing that her contributions to the sport have been recognized and appreciated, both in Pakistan and globally.
