Related Articles
In a significant shake-up, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has excluded former captain Nida Dar and seasoned all-rounder Aliya Riaz from its latest central contracts for the 2024-25 international season. The board has unveiled a new 16-member list as part of its strategy to focus on developing the next generation of players, aligning with the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2025-29.
The PCB has categorized the contracts into four tiers—Categories A, B, C, and D—but has not disclosed the financial details associated with each category. The revised contracts became effective from July 1, 2024, following an annual performance review. Notably, the previous year saw 20 players receiving contracts that spanned a two-year period.
Table of content
Key Promotions and New Entrants
The newly appointed captain Fatima Sana and her deputy Muneeba Ali have been elevated to Category A, while left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been promoted to Category B. Additionally, the contracts feature three new entrants—Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab—marking their first-time inclusion in the centrally contracted players’ list.
Dar’s Captaincy and the Leadership Change
The exclusion of Nida Dar comes as a surprise, given her leadership role during the Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka in July, which falls under the period covered by these contracts. Following Pakistan’s semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Sri Lanka, Dar was replaced by Fatima Sana as the captain, just two months ahead of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Sana’s first series as captain saw Pakistan lose 1-2 at home against South Africa.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Full List of Players Registered for the Mega Auction
Other Notable Omissions
Besides Dar and Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz, Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar also find themselves omitted from the current list, although they remain available for future selection.
PCB’s Vision for Women’s Cricket
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmad Syed, emphasized that the updated central contracts reflect a forward-thinking strategy:
“The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s FTP. By investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and providing clear pathways for emerging talents, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and maintaining competitiveness.”
He added that women’s cricket is a crucial part of PCB’s broader development agenda:
“Our vision is clear: to build a stronger and more competitive Pakistan women’s team that can consistently challenge on the global stage. These contracts are designed not only to incentivize current players but also to inspire the next generation to dream big and push their boundaries.”
Full List of PCB’s Centrally Contracted Women Players
- 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 strategic overhaul in the women’s central contracts indicates PCB’s commitment to fostering young talent while ensuring a robust support system for existing players, aiming for a more competitive edge in upcoming ICC events.
