Former captain Nida Dar and all-rounder Aliya Riaz were the notable absentees from the list of women’s central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, unveiled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday.
Besides Nida and Aliya, Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar and Sidra Nawaz also failed to get their contracts renewed for the upcoming season.
However, these players will remain available for selection, as the PCB shifts its focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme 2025-29.
The new contracts will be effective from 1 July 2024, following an annual performance review.
Last year, 20 players had received contracts for a two-year period, with the provision that performance would be reassessed after the 2023-24 season.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali have been elevated to Category A, while left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has moved up to Category B, reflecting their recent performances and growing stature in the game.
The list includes three new entrants, Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab. Tasmia has earned the contract for the first time, marking an important milestone in her career, while Rameen and Gull have returned to the central contract list for the first time since 2018 and 2022-23, respectively.
Newly-appointed PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed congratulated the selected players and insisted that the cricket board is committed to recognise the consistent performers.
“On behalf of the PCB, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Sadia Iqbal on their well-earned promotions, as well as to Tasmia Rubab for receiving central contract for the first time. Her inclusion and progression, as well as return of Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim highlight our commitment to recognising consistent performances and rewarding talent.
“The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme. By further investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and offering clear pathways to the emerging cricketer, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level.
“Women’s cricket is a cornerstone of our broader development strategy. The PCB is committed to providing our women cricketers with resources, opportunities and support they need to excel. These contracts not only incentivise current players but also inspire the next generation to dream big and push the boundaries of what they can achieve.
“Our vision is clear: to build a stronger and more competitive Pakistan women’s team that can consistently challenge on the global stage and proudly represent the nation in upcoming ICC events,” he concluded.
List of centrally contracted players:
Category A – Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and 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
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
