Sana Mir Rings Bell at Lord’s, Honoured Ahead of WTC Final Day TwoFirst Pakistani Woman in ICC Hall of Fame Takes Centre Stage at Cricket’s Iconic Venue
Sana Mir, former captain of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team and the first Pakistani woman inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, was honoured with the prestigious task of ringing the bell at Lord’s on Thursday, marking the start of Day Two of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa.
The bell-ringing ceremony — a cherished tradition at the ‘Home of Cricket’ since 2007 — is typically reserved for distinguished former cricketers, symbolising the beginning of each day’s play in a Test match.
Mir received a warm reception from players, officials, and spectators as she stepped forward to perform the ritual, adding a special moment to the historic occasion under clear skies in London.
Her appearance came just days after being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming not only the first woman from Pakistan to receive the honour but also the eighth Pakistani overall. She joins cricketing greats such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, Abdul Qadir, Zaheer Abbas, Waqar Younis, and Hanif Mohammad.
Mir, a former off-spinner and a pioneering figure in Pakistan’s women’s cricket, represented the country in 226 international matches and captained the national side in over 100 games. Her nearly 15-year career helped lay the foundation for future generations of female cricketers in Pakistan.
She is also one of only 14 female cricketers worldwide to be included in the ICC Hall of Fame — a testament to her enduring impact on the sport.
Mohammad Yousuf Resigns from Coaching Role at National Cricket Academy
In a separate development, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has resigned from his coaching position at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), ending his most recent stint with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to sources, Yousuf tendered his resignation earlier this week, citing personal commitments as the reason behind his departure.
The 50-year-old had previously served as batting coach for the men’s national team, including during Pakistan’s recent tour of New Zealand. His role at the NCA focused on mentoring and developing the country’s next generation of batting talent.
Although the PCB has not issued an official statement, insiders report that Yousuf’s exit was amicable, and there remains the possibility of future collaboration.
His resignation is expected to trigger further adjustments within the PCB’s coaching and player development structure ahead of upcoming international campaigns.
