Karachi, May 27, 2025 — Pakistan’s cricketing circles celebrated proudly on Tuesday as Sadia Iqbal reclaimed her position at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Bowler Rankings, reaffirming her status as one of the world’s finest left-arm spinners.
This marks a major milestone in Iqbal’s career and a proud moment for Pakistan women’s cricket, as she once again secures a spot among the ICC’s elite.
Iqbal’s consistent performances, especially during last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, were instrumental in her ascent. Her disciplined line and variations troubled top-order batters throughout the tournament, earning her accolades and international recognition. Her return to the No. 1 position came after England’s Sophie Ecclestone missed her team’s recent T20I series against the West Indies, causing a shift at the top of the rankings.
The reshuffle saw Ecclestone drop to fourth, while Iqbal surged ahead to reclaim the throne she briefly held during the ICC World Cup campaign. This climb further underlines Iqbal’s growing influence and reputation on the global stage, where Pakistan continues to produce quality spin bowlers in the women’s game.
Several other bowlers also made gains. England’s Lauren Bell climbed 13 places to sixth after taking seven wickets against the West Indies. Linsey Smith and Issy Wong also improved their rankings substantially, reflecting the competitive nature of the international women’s circuit.
Meanwhile, in the batting department, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews made major strides. After scoring 177 runs at an average of 88.50 in the recent series, she moved up two spots to second in the ICC T20I batting rankings, closing the gap with Australia’s Beth Mooney.
For Pakistan, Iqbal’s achievement is particularly significant. It reinforces the rising stature of Pakistani women in international cricket and reflects well on the development programs being run by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Analysts suggest that Iqbal’s continued success may inspire a new generation of girls in Pakistan to pursue cricket professionally.
This recognition by the ICC places Iqbal and Pakistan firmly in the spotlight, proving that consistent hard work and talent can achieve global success.