Pakistan women team’s skipper Sana Mir has cleared the air after her side fetched the wooden spoon, in the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup campaign in England which later angered their head coach Sabih Azhar, who criticized the One-day International skipper while referring her as ‘self-centered’ individual donning national jersey.
In response, Sana in an open letter on social media site Facebook stated she didn’t claim to be a ‘perfect captain’ while reiterating the problems could have been addressed through a proper discussion in a ‘professional’ way, in a bid to avoid hitting each other on the personal front.
“There is no shame in losing; there is only shame in not giving your 100%. I feel obliged to give a short response to clarify some issues from my point of view,” Sana wrote on her official Facebook page.
However, following the disparaging comments from head Coach Azhar, Sana came hard at the coach for openly criticizing the skipper over the recent drubbing, as the batter reflected she can’t continue under the current ‘set-up’ in the future.
“I want to make it clear I don’t intend to continue in the future with the current set-up of the Women’s Wing in any capacity,” Sana remarked.
It’s pertinent to mention the chief coach Azhar has blamed experienced all-rounder Sana for poor show in the World Cup campaign including team manager Ayesha Ashar and the senior players, in his detailed report which was submitted to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) presided over by Shaharyar Khan.
Interestingly, Pakistan has lost all seven matches of the 2017 World Cup which was held between June 24 and July 23 in the United Kingdom.
However, in the startling revelation, Sana said she had talked to the length and breadth with Azhar over the induction of promising young bowler Diana Beigh.
“My coordination with the coach suffered when I insisted on playing Diana Baig, who was in absolutely great form. That was our major disagreement. Diana is talented and was in great form in the WWC 2017,” Sana further explained on Facebook.
Sana, who has hinted at her retirement on several occasions, admitted the Pakistan’s national side are struggling, as the set-up requires players, who could give their best while performing under pressure, as she had shown clear intention of including young blood for the elite-level cricket.
“My fight was to play a youngster in the team who is ready for international cricket. I don’t regret it. It’s disheartening to see a coach maligning the senior players who have been giving confidence and guidance to youngsters for so long.” Sana concluded.
The 31-year old off-spinner Sana further went on to say that she was forced to give an explanation to the media following the report from the authorities owing to the latest allegations against her.
Moreover, the Abbottabad-born Sana stated she would do best for the women’s cricket while adding the detailed report will be submitted later this month on her return to Pakistan.
Sana has further thanked unconditional support from her family while praising the fans for always backing the team
Sana, who was appointed as a skipper in 2009 after coming to international set-up has led Pakistan in limited-overs format, as she relinquished as a captain from the Twenty20 format in 2016.