Sana Mir, the former captain of the Pakistan women's team, has decided to skip the side's limited-overs matches against England in December.

Mir, 33, who is No.5 on the MRF Tyres ICC Women's ODI Rankings for bowling and No.9 among all-rounders, announced in a statement on Wednesday, 20 November, her decision to take a break from international cricket.

Without specifying how long she intended to be away from the game, she said she hoped to use the time to evaluate her future.

As a result, she will miss three ICC Women's Championship ODIs and three T20Is against England in Malaysia starting 9 December. It also raises questions about her participation in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 in February-March.

Pakistan's Sana Mir, an ambassador for the sport

“I have decided to take a break from international cricket and, as such, will not be available for selection for next month’s series against England. I will utilise this time to plan and reset my future objectives and targets," Mir said.

“My best wishes will remain with the Pakistan national women’s team in the series against England and I am sure they’ll produce their best cricket.”

The experienced Mir is among the select group of players to have played at least 100 women's T20Is. She has been central to Pakistan's attack, picking up 151 wickets in 120 ODIs and 89 in 106 T20Is with her off-spin.

Pakistan are fifth on the ICC Women's Championship table, just one point behind South Africa after 15 matches, and have a good chance to finish in the top four and ensure direct qualification for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021.