Key players missing as PCB announces central contracts for 16 women cricketers

Six players, including seasoned campaigners Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, have not had their contracts renewed

PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced central contracts for 16 women cricketers for the 2024-25 season, effective from July 1, 2024. The revised list marks significant changes, including promotions, new additions, and exclusions as part of the PCB's strategy to foster emerging talent.

Six players, including seasoned campaigners Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, have not had their contracts renewed. However, the PCB clarified that these players remain available for selection, aligning with the board's vision under the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme 2025-29.

Promotions within the contracts reflect recent performances. Captain Fatima Sana and wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali have been elevated to Category A, acknowledging their consistent contributions. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal moves up to Category B after a strong run of form.

Three fresh faces have been included in the 2024-25 contracts: Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab. This marks Rubab’s first-ever central contract, while Feroza and Shamim return after gaps since 2018 and 2022-23, respectively.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed congratulated the contracted players and emphasized the board’s commitment to strengthening women’s cricket.

“Our goal is to develop a stronger, more competitive women’s team that can consistently perform at the highest level on the global stage,” Sumair Ahmad Syed said. “These contracts are designed to inspire the next generation of cricketers to dream big and push boundaries.”

The PCB reduced the number of contracted players from 20 last year to 16 this season, following a performance review as part of a two-year contract cycle.

Centrally Contracted Players 2024-25:

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