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Fatima says that taking decisions calmly like Dhoni and backing the team teaches her a lot.
This tournament will be played in India and Sri Lanka, where the Pakistan team wants to forget the old defeats and make a new beginning.
Talking to PTI, Fatima Sana said,
“It’s natural to be a bit nervous initially when captaining in a big tournament like the World Cup but I take inspiration from Mahendra Singh Dhoni as captain.”
Fatima further said, “I have watched his matches captaining India and Chennai Super Kings. The way he takes decisions on the field, his calmness and the way he backs his players, there’s a lot to learn from that. When I got the captaincy, I thought I have to be like Dhoni. I have also watched his interviews and learned a lot.”
Dhoni has won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy for India. He has also made Chennai Super Kings champion five times in IPL. Fatima says that Dhoni’s success motivates her.
Pakistan’s team has always struggled in the World Cup, but Fatima wants to change it.
She said, “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.”
Fatima also added, “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.”
This World Cup will start on 30 September and the final on 2 November. The ICC has set a record prize money of $13.88 million, with the champion team getting $4.48 million.
Pakistan’s young players are ready and their target is to reach the semi-finals under Fatima’s leadership.