Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Nida Dar and experienced all-rounder Aliya Riaz have been left out of the 16-member list of centrally contracted players announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The board has decided to focus on nurturing younger talent as part of its strategy to prepare for the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme from 2024 to 2029. The new contracts, divided into four categories, are effective from July 1, 2024, and reflect the outcomes of an annual performance review. Unlike last year, when 20 players were awarded two-year contracts, the current list includes fewer players, emphasizing a shift in priorities. However, the exact financial details of these contracts have not been disclosed.
Key Changes in the Central Contracts
The new captain of Pakistan’s women’s team, Fatima Sana, and her vice-captain, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali, have been promoted to the top tier, Category A. This marks a significant recognition of their leadership roles and contributions to the team. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has also been upgraded, moving to Category B.
Additionally, the list features three players receiving central contracts for the first time: Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab. These inclusions highlight the PCB’s commitment to encouraging fresh talent in the team.
Nida Dar’s Role and Exclusion
Nida Dar’s omission is particularly surprising given her recent leadership role. She captained Pakistan in the Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka in July 2024, which falls within the current contract period. However, following Pakistan’s semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in that tournament, Dar was replaced by Fatima Sana as captain, just two months before the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Sana’s first challenge as captain was a home series against South Africa, where Pakistan lost 1-2.
Despite Dar’s extensive experience, her contract has not been renewed, indicating a shift in the PCB’s focus toward the future. Alongside Dar, other players like Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz, Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar also find themselves excluded from the central contracts. However, these players remain available for national team selection.
PCB’s Vision for Women’s Cricket
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmad Syed, emphasized that the new contracts align with the board’s forward-looking strategy. “The 2025-26 central contracts represent our focus on the future as we prepare for the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme,” he said. He also highlighted the board’s commitment to investing in both experienced players and emerging talent by offering enhanced retainers and clear development pathways. This balanced approach aims to create a competitive team capable of performing consistently on the global stage.
Women’s cricket plays a crucial role in the PCB’s broader development strategy. By providing better resources, opportunities, and support, the PCB aims to inspire current players while motivating younger generations to pursue cricket professionally. The ultimate goal is to establish Pakistan as a strong contender in international women’s cricket and to proudly represent the nation in major ICC events.
List of Centrally Contracted Players for 2025-26
Category A
- Fatima Sana
- Muneeba Ali
- Sidra Amin
Category B
- Nashra Sundhu
- Sadia Iqbal
Category C
- Diana Baig
- Omaima Sohail
Category D
- Ghulam Fatima
- Gull Feroza
- Najiha Alvi
- Rameen Shamim
- Sadaf Shamas
- Syeda Aroob Shah
- Tasmia Rubab
- Tuba Hassan
- Umm-e-Hani
This year’s contracts reflect the PCB’s clear intent to balance current performance with future potential, ensuring the development of a competitive and sustainable women’s cricket team for Pakistan.
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