Sana Mir Rings Bell at Lord’s Following ICC Hall of Fame Induction

On June 12, 2025, former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Sana Mir performed a momentous act at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in London—she rang the iconic five‑minute bell to signal the start of day two of the ICC World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa . The bell‑ringing tradition at Lord’s, in place since 2007, is a privilege reserved for figures of significant stature in cricket. The crowd erupted in applause and admiration as Mir stepped forward, marking a proud moment not just for her, but for Pakistan and women’s cricket at large .

ICC Hall of Fame Induction

Mir’s appearance at Lord’s came immediately following another groundbreaking achievement—her induction into the ICC Hall of Fame. She has the historic distinction of being the first Pakistani female cricketer to receive this honour and only the 14th woman globally to enter this elite circle . Inducted at a ceremony held at London’s Abbey Road Studios on June 9, she was honoured alongside cricket legends like MS Dhoni, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, and Sarah Taylor .

A Trailblazing Career

Over a glittering 15‑year international career spanning from 2005 to 2019, Mir played 226 matches across formats, captaining Pakistan in over 100 international fixtures . She retired as Pakistan’s leading ODI wicket‑taker with 151 scalps and secured 89 wickets in T20 internationals . Mir also led Pakistan to gold medals at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014, further cementing her legacy as a leader both on and off the field .

Emotional Reflections from Lord’s

In a heartfelt statement shared by SocialNews.XYZ, Mir described ringing the bell at Lord’s as something that “means the world to me” . She spoke of the emotional weight of the moment and its connection with her jersey number: “I knew that ringing the Lord’s bell is only once in a lifetime opportunity…my shirt number was five,” she reflected, revealing she rang the bell five times in homage to her cricketing identity.

Symbolism Beyond the Bell

The ceremony at Lord’s held deeper meaning beyond tradition. It represented the growing recognition of women’s cricket and the breaking down of historical boundaries. Mir’s presence symbolised a shift in cricket’s global narrative, ushering in a new era of increased respect and visibility for female athlete. The legendary commentator Ian Smith reinforced this sentiment when he exclaimed during the broadcast:

“It’s the five‑minute bell warning and who’s ringing it? One of the magnificent seven, Sana Mir from Pakistan.

National Pride and Personal Milestones

For Pakistan, Mir’s accomplishments elicited widespread celebration. Her Hall of Fame debut joined the ranks of Pakistani legends such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, Abdul Qadir, Zaheer Abbas, Waqar Younis, Hanif Mohammad—and now Sana Mir . She has become a beacon of inspiration for young girls across the country. In her induction speech, she dedicated the honour to “every girl who picks up a bat or ball, even when told it’s not for them.

A Legacy That Resonates

As Australia and South Africa battled on the field, Mir’s bell‑ringing before the first ball underscored that the day was already historic. The moment broadcast worldwide, resonating far beyond Test cricket, celebrating not just a player, but a vision where women lead with strength and determination. It signified a moment when the sport’s soul paused to honour a champion—and a moment when Sana Mir rang not only a bell, but the clarion call for future generations.