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Tributes pour in for Sana Mir as Pakistan star announces her retirement

The star off-spinner announced her retirement from cricket at the age of 34 on Saturday

Tributes pour in for Sana Mir as Pakistan star announces her retirement PHOTO: ICC

Former Pakistan women’s team head coach Mark Coles has hailed Sana Mir as a "selfless team player" after the star off-spinner announced her retirement from cricket at the age of 34 on Saturday.

Former world number-one ranked ODI bowler, Mir, called it a day on her glittering 15-year cricketing career during which she played 226 internationals, including 137 as captain from 2009 to 2017.

“I had the honour to work with Sana for two years. She is an incredible athlete and selfless team player,” said Coles. “Pakistan female cricket has not only lost an amazing athlete but an even better person, she is a pioneer for Pakistan women’s cricket and around the world. Sana taught me to be a better coach, something I will always be grateful to her for.”

“Wasim khan is a great leader I’m sure he will involve Sana in the female game in Pakistan, it needs leadership without ego, Sana will offer that to Women’s cricket in Pakistan the sooner she’s involved the better it will be,” he added.

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Tributes immediately poured in from teammates and fans around the world, to congratulate Mir on her wonderful career.

 

You have worked hard for Pakistan !! It was an honour playing under your leadership. Lots of prayers for the new journey.
Bigger achievements ahead..🀩 IA
Thank you for serving Pakistan in the amazing way you did ♥️
We are proud of you. ❣ https://t.co/XxdIRKW3ZH

— Kainat Imtiaz (@kainatimtiaz16) April 25, 2020

A wonderful ambassador for the sport, Sana Mir has been a role model for young women around the world.

πŸ“Ή WATCH pic.twitter.com/Cmr7Kplbrj

— ICC (@ICC) April 25, 2020

A tribute to one of the icons of women's cricket, @mir_sana05 πŸ™Œ #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/8LPcJ3dh13

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 25, 2020

Thank you Captain @mir_sana05 β€πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° pic.twitter.com/QaibiZyHsl

— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) April 25, 2020

Sana Mir, as a cricketer, was great ambassador of Pakistan. She played a significant role in raise of Pakistan women cricket. A true legend of game who inspired and motivated many young Cricketers. Thank you @mir_sana05.

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) April 25, 2020

Sana Mir’s retirement from international cricket feels like the end of an era.

— Alvina. (@AlvinaAhmedS) April 25, 2020

Thank you @mir_sana05 ❀. pic.twitter.com/0JMGS2qP8j

— Javeria Khan (@ImJaveria) April 25, 2020

Random thoughts:

Sana Mir truly changed the course of women's cricket, became the first household name in the women's game. That in and of itself is an achievement, but she also helped create a legacy of players behind her. https://t.co/gLBLLcTFNW

— shmilo (@shmyla) April 25, 2020

One of the most important cricketers in the world calls time on her outstanding international career. Well played, Sana Mir. https://t.co/0nGpkC5YdG

— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) April 25, 2020

She’s had such a positive impact on the sport in Pakistan, the sub-continent and the world, especially as a role model to millions of young girls. She’s been a top ambassador for the game & I hope she continues contributing & inspiring. So much respect for her. #legend https://t.co/c2lMckSNDs

— Aarti Singh Dabas (@AartiSDabas) April 25, 2020

I will always see @mir_sana05 as a face of strength,leadership & equality for women in Pakistan.I am very sure that we have only just seen the start of her career as Women like Sana have a ‘never quit’ spirit & I’m sure she will continue to be a huge support for women in sport πŸ€—

— Shaniera Akram (@iamShaniera) April 25, 2020

Congratulations on an incredible career @mir_sana05 Few people in sport have done more to break down barriers for those coming behind them and been such an ambassador for cricket and Pakistan. Looking forward to seeing what comes next! pic.twitter.com/piKRUPQmXv

— Isobel Joyce (@izzyjoyce) April 25, 2020

Congratulations on a great career, @mir_sana05! Legend!!! https://t.co/5AgcQWMas9

— Poonam Yadav (@poonam_yadav24) April 25, 2020

Much admiration for you @mir_sana05, and have always appreciated your straight talking in interviews as well. Congratulations on your achievements, will look forward to seeing what you do next πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° 🏏 https://t.co/hecCbyc7r9

— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) April 25, 2020

The first one to get iconic status in women’s cricket in Pakistan,a role model for many,congratulations @mir_sana05 - you’ve been magnificent and such an inspiration for women around the world! pic.twitter.com/vYb4ojZhGJ

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) April 25, 2020

Surely Pakistan's greatest female cricketer so far. Thank you @mir_sana05 and best wishes for the future. https://t.co/0VKAQ2kbfi

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) April 25, 2020

There are some moments when you can actually feel your heart sink. For me, this is one of those moments...

Congratulations on an incredible career, @mir_sana05! Such an incredible role model. https://t.co/StvOz38Gpi

— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) April 25, 2020

Congratulations on a fantastic career! You are a legend and will miss watching you play. But I cannot wait to see your next adventure
thank you for everything you have done https://t.co/oYgi41oXw8

— Natalie Germanos 🏏 (@NatalieGermanos) April 25, 2020

Happy retirement legend @mir_sana05 loved watching your career! I’m sure the next phase of your life will be equally successful πŸ‘Œ

— Usama Mir (@iamusamamir) April 25, 2020

Thank YOU for giving your career to Pakistan and helping cement women’s cricket. https://t.co/2EtJiLJFu7

— Alia Chughtai (@AliaChughtai) April 25, 2020

Congratulations on a wonderful career @mir_sana05. Hopefully you would have inspired many more to play the game.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 25, 2020

Congrats Sana on a stellar career. Well played!!! Best wishes for all your endeavours πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ˜Š@mir_sana05

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) April 25, 2020

Congratulations #SanaMir on a wonderful career. It was always a pleasure playing against you. A true ambassador of women's cricket across the globe and someone who inspired a generation of cricketers to take up the sport. Wishing you good luck on your next innings. πŸ™πŸ½ @mir_sana05

— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) April 25, 2020

Congratulations on a fantastic career @mir_sana05 ! All the best for your future endeavours πŸ‘πŸ½#TrueAmbassador

— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) April 25, 2020

Congrats on a wonderful career @mir_sana05 πŸ‘πŸ» https://t.co/TO6SkAMYoD

— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) April 25, 2020

A true stalwart of Pakistan cricket today announced her retirement in @mir_sana05 but what a fantastic career it was. A career which saw many high

Wish you all the best in your next chapter legendπŸ™ŒπŸ½

— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) April 25, 2020