Perth Scorchers sign Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for WBBL 12
Perth Scorchers sign Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for WBBL 12
PERTH: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana is officially a Perth Scorchers player. The Fatima Sana WBBL signing was confirmed on Saturday, with the 24-year-old allrounder joining the club on a one-year deal for Weber WBBL 12 and becoming only the second Pakistan woman to feature in the competition.
Sana will be available for the first eight matches of the season and will make her WBBL debut at the WACA Ground.
Fatima Sana WBBL signing follows draft disappointment
Sana was nominated for the overseas player draft last year but was not selected by any of the eight Big Bash teams. The draft has since been scrapped as part of changes to the competition’s contracting system, and the Scorchers have now moved directly to secure her signature.
The Pakistan captain said she was delighted to finally get her chance in the league.
“I’ve watched the WBBL from Pakistan and always wondered what it would feel like to be part of this great competition,” Sana said in a statement.
“To now wear the Scorchers colours, represent such a great club and walk out at the WACA Ground while being cheered on by people back home is incredibly special. This really is a dream come true.”
A landmark 2026 for Sana
The Karachi-born allrounder made her Pakistan debut on the team’s tour of South Africa in 2019, with her first international wicket coming against Hobart Hurricanes power-hitter Lizelle Lee. Two years later she became the first Pakistan woman to win an ICC award when she was named the ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2021.
She has led Pakistan permanently since the 2024 T20 World Cup and was among the standout performers at this year’s tournament, taking 11 wickets to earn a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Her World Cup campaign was one of several highlights in a remarkable 2026. In May she created history by smashing the fastest fifty in women’s T20 internationals, reaching the milestone in just 15 balls against Zimbabwe. Two months later she became the first Pakistan woman to feature in the ECB’s Hundred, representing Birmingham Phoenix in six matches.
The right-arm bowler most recently helped Pakistan secure a bronze medal at the Asian Games, capping a year in which she has taken 31 wickets and scored 540 runs in T20Is. No Pakistan woman has scored more runs or taken more wickets in the format in 2026.
Scorchers complete overseas set
Scorchers general manager Kade Harvey welcomed the signing, describing Sana as one of the most exciting young allrounders in world cricket.
“Fatima is one of the most exciting young allrounders in world cricket, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Perth Scorchers for the upcoming summer,” Harvey said.
“A proven performer at the age of 24, we believe she fits our list profile really well and we’re excited to see how Fatima executes on the WACA Ground wicket.”
Her arrival completes the Scorchers’ overseas contingent for WBBL 12, with England allrounder Freya Kemp and New Zealand star Sophie Devine also returning after helping the side reach last season’s final.
Frequently asked questions
When will Fatima Sana play for Perth Scorchers?
Sana has signed a one-year deal for Weber WBBL 12 and will be available for the first eight matches of the season, making her debut in the competition.
Who was the first Pakistan woman to play in the WBBL?
Nida Dar was the first, representing Sydney Thunder in 11 matches during WBBL 05. Sana becomes only the second Pakistan player to feature in the league.
Why did Fatima Sana miss out on the WBBL last year?
She was nominated for the overseas player draft but was not selected by any of the eight teams. The draft has since been scrapped under changes to the competition’s contracting system, opening the door for this direct signing.
