Fatima Sana signs for Perth Scorchers in major 2026 WBBL coup

Perth Scorchers have signed Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for the 2026 Women’s Big Bash, confirming one of the most significant international signings in the history of the women’s Big Bash League. The 24-year-old allrounder has put pen to paper on a one-year deal and is available for the first eight games of the season.

Sana will become just the second Pakistan player to appear in the WBBL. Nida Dar was the first, playing 11 games for Sydney Thunder in the 2019-20 WBBL. Sana had been nominated for the now-shelved overseas player draft the previous year but was not selected by any of the eight Big Bash teams. Sana said she was thrilled to finally be part of the competition.

“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,” Sana said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

What has Fatima Sana achieved in international cricket?

Fatima Sana made her debut for Pakistan during the side’s 2019 tour of South Africa, dismissing Hobart Hurricanes power-hitter Lizelle Lee to claim her first international wicket. She has since represented Pakistan in 134 white-ball fixtures and has led her country permanently since the 2024 T20 World Cup.

In 2021, the Karachi product became the first woman from Pakistan to receive an ICC award when she was named ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year. In 2026, she made history by hitting the fastest fifty in women’s T20 internationals against Zimbabwe in May, reaching a half-century in just 15 balls. At this year’s T20 World Cup, she took 11 wickets to earn a place in the team of the tournament.

Why did Perth Scorchers sign Fatima Sana?

Perth Scorchers moved to secure Sana on a direct signing after the overseas player draft was shelved. The club’s recruitment team identified her as a player who fits their squad profile, given her ability to contribute with both bat and ball at the highest level across 134 white-ball appearances for Pakistan. Scorchers general manager Kade Harvey said the club was excited about what Sana would bring to the WACA Ground.

“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. 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,” Harvey said.