Faiza Azam Khan has become a viral sensation for
playing cricket with remarkable skill and confidence
all while dressed in full traditional attire
Sabahat Sarwar
Karachi: Every Sunday at Frere Hall, a young woman in a burqa and hijab captures attention with her powerful cricket strokes. Known online as the “Burqa Girl,” Faiza Azam Khan has become a viral sensation for playing cricket with remarkable skill and confidence — all while dressed in full traditional attire.
Originally from Kashmir, Faiza has lived in Karachi for the past seven to eight years. For the last three, she has turned her Sundays — her only day off from a demanding banking job — into a cricket tradition with her cousins and brothers. “I’ve loved cricket since childhood,” she shared. “I started by playing with my brothers.”
Her viral videos, featuring explosive batting and quick reflexes, have garnered millions of views on social media. While most of the feedback has been positive, Faiza acknowledges some critics. “I don’t let the negativity affect me. I focus on the love and encouragement I receive,” she said.
Inspired by cricket legends like Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, Faiza plays as a batter and wicketkeeper at Frere Hall. Though she once joined a cricket academy to train with a hard ball, her work schedule forced her to step back after three months.
Despite the challenges, Faiza remains determined to represent Pakistan at the national level — and has one clear condition: she will continue to wear her hijab while playing. “If given the opportunity, I would proudly accept — without compromising my values,” she stated.
Faiza’s story is not just about cricket. It’s about resilience, passion, and redefining what representation looks like in Pakistan’s sporting landscape.
