Pakistan captain takes inspiration from MS Dhoni ahead of Women's World Cup

Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Fatima Sana is taking inspiration from legendary India captain MS Dhoni ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2025. The mega event begins on September 30 and is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play all of their matches at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo and start their campaign against Bangladesh on October 2.

Ahead of the tournament, Sana admitted being nervous leading her team into the mega event. However, she revealed that she takes inspiration from MS Dhoni by watching his interviews and tries to imbibe his calmness.

“It is natural to be a little nervous initially when captaining in a big tournament like the World Cup, but I take inspiration from Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a captain. I have seen his matches as India and CSK captain. His on-field decision-making, calmness and the way he backs his players, there is a lot to learn from that. When I got the captaincy, I thought that I have to become like Dhoni. I also watched his interviews and got to learn a lot,” Sana told PTI.

Ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan will lock horns with South Africa in a three-match ODI series, beginning on September 16. They will further take on Sri Lanka in two warm-up fixtures for the World Cup.

Pakistan earned qualification for the World Cup through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier held in April 2024. The side finished in the pole position, after winning all their games, including victories against West Indies and Bangladesh.

The Fatima Sana-led side finished on top after winning all five of their matches, including victories against West Indies and Bangladesh.

Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah

Travelling Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar