The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its central contract list for women cricketers for the 2024-25 season, revealing significant changes and exciting opportunities for several players. While the news brought new hope for some, it also marked the end of the central contract era for experienced cricketers like Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
As the PCB shifts its focus toward nurturing emerging talent, it has awarded central contracts to 16 women cricketers, which will be effective from July 1, 2024. The new contract structure is part of a long-term vision to develop a more competitive women’s cricket team capable of performing at the highest international levels.
Key Changes in the 2024-25 Central Contracts
Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Others Dropped from Central Contracts
One of the most notable updates in the central contract list is the omission of several experienced players. Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Shawaal Zulfiqar are among the six cricketers who have not had their contracts renewed for the 2024-25 season. This decision has raised eyebrows as Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz have long been considered key figures in Pakistan women’s cricket. However, their contracts have not been renewed, signaling the PCB’s intent to focus on younger, emerging players as it prepares for the upcoming ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) from 2025 to 2029.
Despite the decision to drop them from the contract list, these players remain available for selection, leaving room for them to make a comeback based on their performances in the domestic or international arena. The PCB’s decision aligns with the overarching goal of fostering emerging talent and ensuring a smooth transition into the next phase of Pakistan’s women’s cricket development.
Fatima Sana and Muneeba Ali Earn Promotions
The new contract list also includes some positive news for players who have excelled in recent times. Captain Fatima Sana and wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali have been promoted to Category A due to their standout performances in recent months. Fatima Sana, who has captained Pakistan in various formats, continues to be a pivotal figure in the team’s leadership. Muneeba Ali’s contribution, especially with the bat, has earned her the recognition she deserves in the top tier of women’s cricket in Pakistan.
In addition to Fatima and Muneeba’s promotions, Sadia Iqbal, the talented left-arm spinner, has earned her spot in Category B after her impressive form in recent months. Her consistency with the ball has made her a vital asset to the team, and her promotion is seen as a well-deserved reward for her performances.
Inclusion of New Faces in Central Contracts
The 2024-25 season also introduces fresh faces into the PCB’s central contract list, reflecting the board’s commitment to developing new talent. Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab are the new additions to the contract list. Tasmia Rubab, in particular, has earned her first central contract, which marks a significant milestone in her career. Both Feroza and Shamim are returning after a hiatus, with Feroza returning after a break since 2018 and Shamim making her comeback after the 2022-23 season.
These new inclusions indicate that the PCB is working toward creating a more diverse and competitive squad by providing opportunities for both seasoned players and emerging talents. The inclusion of these players reflects the board’s ongoing efforts to create clear pathways for up-and-coming cricketers to step up and make a mark on the international stage.
Overview of the 2024-25 Central Contracts
Category Breakdown
The newly introduced contract list for the 2024-25 season is divided into categories A, B, C, and D. This structure allows the PCB to reward top performers while providing a platform for emerging players to grow and evolve.
Category A:
- Fatima Sana (Captain)
- Muneeba Ali (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Sidra Amin
The players in Category A are those who have consistently delivered exceptional performances and are considered the backbone of the team. Fatima Sana’s leadership skills, combined with Muneeba Ali’s consistency with the bat, make them indispensable members of the squad. Sidra Amin also earned her spot in this prestigious category with solid performances in international cricket.
Category B:
- Nashra Sundhu
- Sadia Iqbal
Category B includes players who have shown promising performances but are not yet as established as those in Category A. Sadia Iqbal’s rise to Category B is a testament to her growing importance in the squad.
Category C:
- Diana Baig
- Omaima Sohail
Category C represents players who are on the brink of securing their spot in higher categories but have yet to showcase consistent performances at the highest level. Diana Baig and Omaima Sohail, both of whom have displayed flashes of brilliance, are expected to build on their experiences and push for higher categories in the future.
Category D:
- Ghulam Fatima
- Gull Feroza
- Najiha Alvi
- Rameen Shamim
- Sadaf Shamas
- Syeda Aroob Shah
- Tasmia Rubab
- Tuba Hassan
- Umm-e-Han
Category D consists of emerging talents and players who are yet to make their mark on the international stage. The inclusion of names like Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, and Tasmia Rubab indicates that the PCB is eager to give young players a chance to prove themselves and develop their skills.
The PCB’s Vision for Women’s Cricket
The PCB’s decision to award central contracts is part of its broader vision to improve and develop women’s cricket in Pakistan. By rewarding players based on their performance and providing opportunities to emerging talent, the PCB is ensuring that the women’s team can remain competitive on the international stage.
PCB Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmad Syed, expressed his congratulations to the promoted players and emphasized the board’s long-term strategy. He stated that the contracts are not only meant to reward the established players but also to inspire and motivate the next generation of cricketers.
“The goal is to develop a stronger, more competitive women’s team that can consistently perform at the highest level globally,” he said. “These contracts are designed to create clear pathways for young cricketers and provide them with the motivation to aim high.”
Conclusion: A New Era for Pakistan Women’s Cricket
The PCB’s decision to award central contracts to 16 women cricketers for the 2024-25 season reflects the board’s dedication to both fostering emerging talent and rewarding top performers. With the promotion of Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sadia Iqbal, and the inclusion of fresh faces like Tasmia Rubab and Gull Feroza, the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan looks promising.
While some experienced players, such as Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, have been dropped, their absence opens up new opportunities for younger players to shine. The PCB is clearly focused on building a stronger, more competitive team that can compete on the global stage, and this contract distribution is a step toward achieving that goal.
FAQs:
1. Why were Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz dropped from the PCB’s central contracts?
The PCB’s decision to drop these players is part of its strategy to invest in emerging talent while continuing to provide opportunities for experienced players to return based on their performances.
2. What are the categories of the PCB’s central contracts?
The central contracts are divided into four categories: A, B, C, and D. Category A includes the top performers, while Category D is for emerging players.
3. Which players were promoted to Category A?
Captain Fatima Sana and wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali were promoted to Category A for their standout performances.
4. How does the PCB’s new contract list affect women’s cricket in Pakistan?
The new contract list is aimed at strengthening the women’s team by rewarding consistent performers and creating opportunities for young cricketers to rise through the ranks.
5. Who are the new faces in the PCB’s central contract list for 2024-25?
The new faces include Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab, with Rubab marking her first central contract.
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