Key Points
- In Pakistan, Saira Jabeen disguised herself as a man to play cricket.
- Her passion for the sport landed her a contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board and now a club in Australia.
- She hopes to inspire other girls to follow their cricket dreams.
Growing up in remote northern Pakistan, Saira Jabeen dreamed of donning the green uniform of her national cricket team.
Now the 22-year-old's talent has brought her to the cricket grounds of Sydney.
Along the way, the right-handed batter has had to smash through a number of barriers.
Mr Jabeen hails from the Kalash Valley, an area located in the Hindu Kush mountain range known for its vibrant festivals, rich folklore and polytheistic belief system.
"I belong to a tribe in Pakistan that might seem like out of a fairy tale, where we dress like princesses and put on caps," Ms Jabeen told SBS Urdu.
From her early years, Ms Jabeen dreamed of becoming a cricketer. Source: Supplied / Saira Jabeen
Smashing barriers
From her early years, Ms Jabeen dreamed of becoming a cricketer. However, her hometown lacked the necessary infrastructure, prompting her to relocate to the provincial capital, Peshawar.
With no dedicated pathways for women, she joined a men's youth cricket academy at age 20.
"I used to disguise myself to play with the guys," Ms Jabeen said, explaining that she cut her hair short to fit in.
"They were very good and supportive. They used to encourage me to play."
My teammates' parents did not know that a woman was also playing with them. They were scared that if their parents found out they wouldn't be able to continue.Saira Jabeen
Since 1997, Pakistan's women's cricket team have participated in five editions of the Women's Cricket World Cup.
However, despite growing interest, women face considerable challenges to thrive in the sport, including a lack of resources.
that it has taken significant steps to grow women's cricket, with an annual budget of around Rs227 million ($1.3 million) allowing for contracts and the establishment of academies and practice facilities.
According to their 2022-23 financial budget, there will be a 15 per cent increase in retainers for women's central contracts, which they say demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap in salaries between men and women players.
Rising through the ranks
With the support of her family, Ms Jabeen eventually relocated to Lahore, a larger city equipped with cricket facilities for women.
"I had already done two semesters of my bachelor's degree and my father was a bit reluctant at first, but my brother supported me to chase my dream," she said.
Ms Jabeen has a nine-month contract with Parramatta Women's Grade Cricket Club. Source: SBS / Afnan Malik
Her talent caught the eye of selectors, earning her a spot on the Punjab University women's team and eventually leading her to the prestigious National Cricket Academy - and a contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board, which meant she could make a living from the sport.
For 2023-24,to play for the national squad, while around .
"During all this, I had only one thing on my mind: I need to do this not just for myself but for all those girls who are dreaming but are not able to play due to societal and gender hurdles," she said.
If I can achieve it, then tomorrow, every other parent will allow their daughters to follow their dreams, saying, 'If Saira can do it, so can you'.Saira Jabeen
Chasing dreams down under
In August, Ms Jabeen was offered a contract by, which competes in the highest level of club cricket in NSW.
According to Ms Jabeen, Mel Jones - the former Australian women's cricket team captain - played a significant role in connecting her with the club.
The club's president, Scott Reibelt, said he is delighted to welcome their latest recruit.
"We received an email from the Pakistan Cricket Board. They wanted Saira to play cricket for the Parramatta Women's Grade Cricket Club and we responded to that," he said.
Mr Reibelt praised Ms Jabeen's dedication to the game, which has brought her to the other side of the world.
"It is a fairy tale. I have said to people we have got a real-life story here who is making her own journey," he said.
"It's the third week with Saira here and what we see is that she is a very attacking girl. She hits the ball hard, bowls fast and straight."
She has brought a lot of different aspects to cricket that our younger girls are picking up on. She is bringing a different attitude to different situations. But also it is a learning curve for both her and our girls.Scott Reibelt, President of Parramatta Women's Grade Cricket Club
Ms Jabeen will remain with the club until March next year when she will return home.
The ambitious cricketer hopes her stint in Australia will prepare her for big things internationally.
"I will gain confidence, I will learn a lot of new things here and I will go back and play for Pakistan," she said.
