Pakistan captain Fatima Sana draws inspiration from MS Dhoni ahead of Women’s World Cup

Fatima Sana, the captain of Pakistan’s women’s cricket squad, looks up to India’s former World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni and aims to adopt his composed leadership style as she prepares to guide her team at the upcoming 50-over World Cup. The tournament is set to kick off on 30 September, with India and Sri Lanka being co-hosts. However, under a special understanding between the BCCI and PCB, the Pakistan team will play all of its fixtures in Sri Lanka. After remaining unbeaten in the qualifiers held in April, Pakistan will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh in Colombo on 2 October.

“Captaining in a major event like the World Cup naturally brings some initial nerves, but I draw my inspiration as a leader from Mahendra Singh Dhoni,” Fatima said in an interview with PTI Bhasha before the start of the World Cup.

“I have followed his games as the captain of India and CSK. His calm approach, sharp decision-making on the field, and the trust he shows in his players are all qualities worth learning from. When I was given the captaincy, I felt I should try to be like Dhoni. I also watched his interviews, which taught me a great deal,” she added.

Dhoni retired from international cricket on 15 August 2020, while Fatima made her ODI debut against South Africa on 6 May 2019.

Pakistan have participated in the Women’s ODI World Cup five times—in 1997, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022—but did not secure any wins in 1997, 2013, or 2017. In the 2022 edition, their sole victory was against the West Indies in Hamilton, finishing last after losing the remaining matches.

Fatima, who contributes both with the bat and ball, has accumulated 397 runs and taken 45 wickets in 34 ODIs. She is optimistic that this year’s squad will overcome past struggles.

Related