In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted 11-month domestic contracts to 74 exceptional women cricketers, marking a significant step towards promoting and uplifting women’s cricket in the nation. This remarkable initiative is the first of its kind in women’s cricket, aiming to recognize and reward the prowess of female athletes.
Among the recipients, 59 emerging and U19 category players have been selected for their outstanding performances in various cricket tournaments. Additionally, 14 players with prior experience in the Pakistan women’s team at the senior level have also been awarded these prestigious contracts.
This progressive development is poised to bolster the confidence of women cricketers and invigorate the upcoming women’s cricket season, scheduled to recommence on 1 September. The contracts are a testament to the commitment of PCB under the leadership of Management Committee Chairperson Mr Zaka Ashraf to nurture the growth of women’s cricket, provide a viable career path, and inspire more women to excel in the sport.
These contracts have been conferred based on exceptional performances across domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U19 domestic competitions, and the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup. The selection process was overseen by the national women’s selection committee led by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, in consultation with national and academy coaches. This initiative not only acknowledges the players’ hard work and dedication but also aims to elevate the overall standard of women’s cricket in Pakistan.
PCB’s Management Committee Head Zaka Ashraf expressed his congratulations to the talented cricketers, emphasizing the importance of investing in their dreams and aspirations. He believes that empowering these athletes will not only enhance the quality of women’s cricket but also inspire future generations of girls to pursue the sport.
Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick echoed the sentiment, stating that the historic moment recognizes extraordinary skills and aims to instill confidence and determination among women athletes. The PCB is committed to providing necessary support and resources to ensure their success during the upcoming busy women’s cricket season.
In addition to the contracts, the PCB has reinstated training facilities for women cricketers in eight cricket academies across the country. This move further demonstrates the board’s dedication to fostering the growth of women’s cricket at various levels.
While these domestic contracts exclude players from the upcoming women’s central contracts for 2023-24, they offer monthly retainers, match fees, daily allowances, and a share in prize money. The decision underscores PCB’s progressive approach to nurturing women’s cricket in Pakistan.
The 74 players along with their cities in alphabetical order are:
Aima Saleem (Rawalpindi), Aimen Anwar (Karachi), Aisha Javed (Lahore), Aleena Shah (Peshawar), Aliza Khan (Karachi), Amber Kainat (Lahore), Anam Amin (Lahore), Areesha Noor Bhatti (Lahore), Arijah Haseeb (Karachi), Asma Amin (Faisalabad), Asma Shareef (Arifwala), Ayesha Asim (Quetta), Ayesha Bilal (Lahore), Ayesha Zafar (Lahore), Dina Razvi (Karachi), Dua Majid (Lahore), Fajr Naveed (Rawalpindi), Fareeha Mehmood (Lahore), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fatima Shahid (Lahore), Fatima Zehra (Rawalpindi), Gul-e-Uswa (Multan), Gull Feroza (Multan), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Haleema Azeem Dar (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Humna Bilal (Rawalpindi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Iram Javed (Lahore), Jannat Rasheed (Quetta), Javeria Khan (Karachi), Jaweria Rauf (Karachi), Kainat Imtiaz (Karachi), Kaynat Hafeez (Lahore), Khadija Chishti (Lahore), Kinza Wahab (Karachi), Laiba Mansoor (Rawalpindi), Laiba Nasir (Lahore), Lubna Behram (Hunza), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Maham Manzoor (Hyderabad), Maham Tariq (Karachi), Mahnoor Aftab (Peshawar), Masooma Zehra (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad), Natalia Parvaiz (Bhimber), Neha Sharmeen Sheikh (Karachi), Noor-Ul-Eman (Bahawalpur), Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore), Quratulain Ahsen (Lahore), Rameen Shamim (Karachi), Rida Aslam (Lahore), Saba Nazir (Muridke), Saima Malik (Quetta), Saiqa Riaz (Lahore), Saira Jabeen (Chitral), Sana Talib (Rahim Yar Khan), Sania Rasheed (Rawalpindi), Shabnam Hayat (Karachi), Soha Fatima (Lahore), Subhana Tariq (Karachi), Syeda Taskyn Fatima (Karachi), Tasmia Rubab (Lahore), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad), Tahzeeb Shah (Swabi), Waheeda Akhter (Lahore), Wajeeha Muneer (Multan), Warda Yousaf (Okara), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi), Yusra Amir (Karachi), Zaib-un-Nisa (Charsadda), Zamina Tahir (Lahore), Zunaira Shah (Karachi) and Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore)
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