Fatima Sana's WBBL Move: What It Means for Perth Scorchers

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-04

Pakistan women's T20I captain Fatima Sana has signed a one-year deal with the Perth Scorchers for the 2026-27 Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season. The 24-year-old all-rounder becomes just the second Pakistani woman to play in the WBBL, following in the footsteps of former captain Nida Dar, who appeared for Sydney Thunder in 2019. Sana's arrival completes Perth's overseas contingent for WBBL 12, which begins on October 29, 2026. She'll join England's Freya Kemp and New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine, both of whom helped the Scorchers reach last season's final. The team fell short against Hobart Hurricanes, so there's a real sense of unfinished business. ### Contract Details and Availability Sana will be available for the first eight matches of the campaign, including the home opener against Melbourne Renegades at the WACA Ground on October 31. Beyond that, her stay depends on whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allows her to skip a national training camp. There's also a potential clash with Pakistan's scheduled tour of the West Indies in December 2026, which could cut her WBBL stint short. It's a bit of a juggling act, but that's modern cricket for you. Players often have to balance national duties with franchise opportunities, and Sana's case is no different. ### A Historic Signing Sana's journey to the WBBL hasn't been straightforward. She entered the overseas player draft in 2025 but went unpicked. This time, direct negotiations with Perth got the deal done. For Sana, it's a dream come true. "I've watched the WBBL from Pakistan and always wondered what it would feel like to be part of this great competition," she said in an official Scorchers statement. "To now wear the Scorchers colours, represent such a great club and walk out at the WACA Ground in front of members and fans, while being cheered on by people back home, is incredibly special. This really is a dream come true." Perth Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey welcomed the signing. "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," Harvey said. "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." ### Overseas Experience and What She Brings This isn't Sana's first taste of franchise cricket abroad. Earlier in 2026, she played for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred as an overseas wildcard replacement for Australia's Lucy Hamilton. She took home a minimum salary of around $19,000 and played six matches, becoming the first Pakistani woman to feature in the competition. Before that, she turned out for the Women's Caribbean Premier League in 2022 and New Zealand's Super Smash in 2023. So she knows what it takes to adapt to different conditions and teams. Sana's also part of a growing trend of Pakistani cricketers heading to Australia. Six men's players featured in BBL 15, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. Now Sana is flying the flag for Pakistan in the women's game. ### What This Means for Perth Scorchers Perth's squad is shaping up nicely. Alongside Sana, Kemp, and Devine, they have Australian stars Beth Mooney and Alana King. That's a strong core of experienced internationals and local talent. Last season's final loss to Hobart will still sting, but adding a player of Sana's caliber shows the Scorchers mean business. She's a genuine all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, and at 24, she's only going to get better. The WBBL 12 season kicks off on October 29, with Perth's first home game on October 31. Fans at the WACA Ground will get an early look at Sana in action. If she can replicate her international form, she could be one of the signings of the season. For now, Sana is focused on making the most of this opportunity. And who knows? Maybe this is the start of a long and successful relationship with the Scorchers.