Back in January 2020, 15-year-old Ayesha Naseem had dreams of inspiring young girls in her conservative region of Abbottabad, Pakistan, to break barriers and play cricket.
Fast-tracked to the national side for her power-hitting ability, she aimed to be an inspiration for parents who discouraged their daughters from pursuing sports. Despite facing opposition and frowns, Ayesha continued to excel in cricket, defying societal norms.
With her family’s support, she had access to the sport and education, which helped her shine as one of Pakistan’s most promising young talents. However, her cricketing journey took a surprising turn when, at the age of 18, she decided to retire from the game for religious reasons.
Although her career was short, Ayesha’s powerful hitting and determination made her a standout in women’s cricket.
