Pakistan captain Fatima Sana to head home following father’s demise

In a tragic turn of events, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana will depart home from the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on the earliest available flight after her father passed away in Karachi today, October 10. 

After being appointed captain, the 22-year-old all-rounder was on her first World Cup assignment. She also helped Pakistan win their first game of the tournament against Sri Lanka. Despite facing a six-wicket defeat against India in their second game, their qualification chances are still open. 

However, Pakistan are scheduled to play Australia in Dubai tomorrow, October 11. Sana’s participation in it looks unlikely, considering she’ll have to fly to Karachi, attend the funeral services, and then return to Dubai in a day. Muneeba Ali, Pakistan's wicketkeeper, will be the stand-in skipper for the game.

The press release by the PCB said that in his condolence message, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi prayed that Allah Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.

Meanwhile, players and management of Pakistan women's cricket team also expressed their deep condolences to Sana over the sad demise of her father.

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