Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced new central contracts for the senior women’s cricket team.
The major surprise was the omission of the former skipper Nida Dar from the central contract. She’s arguably the best women’s cricketer from Pakistan and one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket. Her omission from the central contract came as a big surprise.
All-rounder and captain Fatima Sana, wicket-keeper batter Muneeba Ali and batter Sidra Ameen are the players included in Category A. Sadia Iqbal was promoted to Category B.
Nida Dar’s form hasn’t been that great in recent times but she’s a key player for Pakistan in women’s cricket. She has scored 1690 runs and has 108 wickets to her name in 112 ODIs. Dar has played 160 T20Is and has scored 2091 runs with 144 wickets.
“Disappointed but not surprised at all”: Former Pakistan Captain
Former captain of the Pakistan women’s team, Sana Mir expressed her disappointment. “Disappointed but not surprised”, she said on Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz’s exclusion from the central contract.
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sumari Ahmed Syed said, “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 the central contract for the first time”.
Category A: Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin.
Category B: Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal.
“Her inclusion and progression, as well as the return of Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim, highlight our commitment to recognising consistent performances and rewarding talent”, he further added.
Sumari Ahmed Syed concluded with “The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme”.
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.
