In a significant stride for women’s cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the names of players awarded central contracts, with uncapped players making their mark among the spotlight. Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, together with Umm-e-Hani, have clinched their debut central contracts, while a total of 20 players are set to embark on this cricketing journey.
This year’s central contract list mirrors the previous one, offering contracts divided into four categories: A, B, C, and the emerging D category. These contracts, extending from 1 August 2023 to 30 June 2025, ensure a stable environment for players to flourish. A year from now, their performance will be evaluated and acknowledged.
Diversity is key in Pakistan’s cricket journey, and this is clearly depicted in the players’ contracts. The coveted Category A features captain Nida Dar and seasoned campaigner Bismah Maroof, who have both received a 19% increase in their retainers. Sidra Amin’s jump to Category A from C comes as a testament to her prowess, landing her among the league of top run-getters in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
Category B, displaying a 32% hike in players’ retainers, sees notable names like Muneeba Ali, who registered a century in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year, and Fatima Sana, the captain of Pakistan emerging women’s team in ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023. The dynamic left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu also retains her spot in this category, while Aliya Riaz takes her place here after being demoted from Category A.
Category C showcases the consistency of wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz, while spinners Ghulam Fatima and Sadia Iqbal rise from D to C category. On the other hand, Diana Baig takes a step down from B category due to injury setbacks, while Omaima Sohail shifts to C from last year’s B category. The C category witnesses a 19% increase in players’ retainers.
In the emerging D category, a blend of fresh talent emerges. Leg-spinner Tuba Hassan and right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas retain their spots with a 21% raise in their retainers. The trio of Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who dazzled in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup this year, garners attention as they earn their inaugural contracts. Furthermore, Najiha Alvi and Umm-e-Hani, representing Pakistan emerging team in ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, join this category. A comeback is also witnessed as Syeda Aroob Shah, who captained Pakistan U19 in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, rejoins the central contract fold after being left out last year.
Among the notable changes, players Anam Amin, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, and Kainat Imtiaz have transitioned to the 11-month domestic contracts, while Ayesha Naseem retires from international cricket and thus exits the central contract pool.
The financial aspect of the contracts sees a boost with a 100% increase in match fees for ODI matches and a 50% increment for T20I matches. Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket, attributes the contract extensions and financial increments to a bustling international cricket calendar, aiming to provide players with the best environment to conquer challenges and savor victories.
Saleem Jaffar, Chair of Women’s Selection Committee, emphasizes the recognition of consistent performances throughout the ICC Women’s Championship cycle. This comprehensive assessment began with matches against Sri Lanka and highlights each player’s contribution.
As the players gear up for their upcoming engagements against South Africa and beyond, these central contracts signify the PCB’s dedication to women’s cricket and its growth.
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