At just 17 years old, Laiba Nasir has already made a significant impact on Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. Her exceptional performances on the international stage, representing Pakistan in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, have captivated cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. Currently playing for the Dynamites in the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament in Karachi, Laiba is quickly emerging as a promising talent, displaying immense potential and an unwavering determination to succeed.
Laiba’s journey to becoming a professional cricketer is truly inspiring. Born and raised in a cricket-loving family in Lahore, her passion for the sport was ignited at a young age. Blessed with natural talent, she honed her skills under the guidance of dedicated coaches and mentors.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament in Karachi, Laiba shared her journey, saying, “I was 12 years old when I started playing cricket on the street near my home with boys. The neighbors would question my family, expressing concerns about potential road blockages. On one occasion, they even visited my home to discourage me from playing this game. At that moment, my father told me that if I wanted to pursue cricket professionally, I should go to the ground, and he accompanied me there.”
Highlighting the positive influence of her father during her early playing days, Laiba expressed, “My father used to take me to the ground early in the morning and help me with my practice. Later, he got me admitted to a club.”
Laiba comes from a family of athletes, with three of her four siblings involved in sports like football and athletics. During her younger years, she faced suggestions from others to consider athletics due to her short stature and perceived lack of ideal fitness. However, she remained resolute in her passion for cricket.
Speaking about her role models, Laiba added, “When I started playing cricket, people used to tell me to be like Sana Mir, so I began following her. Later, I tried to emulate Nida Dar’s bowling action, which I am still working on.”
Opening up about her challenging commute to the National Cricket Academy, Laiba revealed that it used to take her two hours to reach the academy, involving a switch between two local auto-rickshaws. Additionally, she would carry her kit bag on her shoulder during a 30-minute walk from canal road to the academy.
Recalling the moment her name was announced for the first time in the Women’s U19 T20 Tournament at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke, Laiba said, “I still remember people questioning my decision to play cricket, advising me against it. But once my name was announced, those same individuals reached out to congratulate me.”
Laiba fondly reminisced about the joy she brought to her family when she was selected for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup squad. Describing that moment, she shared, “I was batting in the nets when the head coach congratulated me on my selection. When I finished practice, I called my family members and my sister; they were overjoyed. That evening, my father took me to the market where our shop is located and proudly shared the news with everyone that his daughter had been chosen for the Pakistan squad in the World Cup.”
Laiba went on to represent Pakistan in five matches in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Reflecting on her experiences and her journey to representing Pakistan in a major event, Laiba is a strong advocate for young girls aspiring to pursue a career in cricket. “It is incredibly motivating to see that with hard work and the support of parents, one can achieve their dreams,” she
asserts.
With her remarkable talent, determination, and the unwavering support of her family, Laiba Nasir is destined to leave an indelible mark on Pakistan’s cricketing future. As she continues to evolve and showcase her skills, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the promising career that lies ahead for this rising star in Pakistan’s cricketing realm.
Leave a Reply