Fatima Sana Wants To Captain Pakistan Like MS Dhoni Led India And CSK

Pakistan Women’s captain Fatima Sana is drawing inspiration from former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni as she gears up to lead her side in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

It was under Dhoni’s leadership that India became the first team to lift a World Cup at home in 2011, while the legendary captain has also guided CSK to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles.

The 23-year-old all-rounder will captain Pakistan at the tournament, which begins on September 30 in India and Sri Lanka. The Women in Green will play all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

“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,” Sana told PTI.

“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.”

Pakistan have never reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, but Sana is determined to change that narrative.

“This time, the jinx will definitely be broken because the young players know how important this tournament is for Pakistan women’s cricket. We will not think about the past. My goal is to take the team to the semifinals,” she said.

“In Pakistan, girls have started playing cricket in schools and international matches are being telecast live. ICC has also taken a good initiative by increasing the prize money for the Women’s World Cup, which will inspire budding players in Pakistan. But there is still a barrier which we have to break through this tournament.”