Three U19 T20WC stars earn maiden Pakistan Women’s central contract

Three rising stars – Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar – graduated from the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year to earn their maiden centract contracts for the senior team. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi is the fourth uncapped player to earn a spot on the contracted players' list.

The number of players named and awarded contracts is the same as last year – 20 – divided into four categories: A, B, C, and an emerging category, D.

Sidra Amin has been promoted from C to A category for her impressive showing in the previous season. Along with her, the top category features two more star players in Bismah Maroof and captain Nida Dar.

Other notable promotions include Ghulam Fatima and Sadia Iqbal, both of whom have advanced from category D to C. Meanwhile, Muneeba Ali secured her place in Category B after previously being listed in Category C.

As per the Pakistan Cricket Board's release, the contracts were offered to the players last week for a 23-month cycle and their performances will be evaluated after one year.

The absentees from their year's central contract list are Anam Amin, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, and Kainat Imtiaz, however, all these five players have been awarded Pakistan Women's first-ever 11-month domestic contracts. Meanwhile, Ayesha Naseem, who took retirement from international cricket last month, is the sixth player to be left out.

The PCB has also revealed a 100% increase in match fees for players participating in an ODI match (both playing and non-playing), along with a 50% increase in match fees for players in a T20I match (both playing and non-playing).

Tania Mallick, the Head of Women’s Cricket at PCB, emphasized the significance of providing an extended contract that is valid until June 30, 2025.

The steep rise in the women’s game

"The extended contract duration reflects our anticipation of an action-packed international cricket calendar," Mallick said. "We want our women cricketers to be fully prepared, physically and mentally, to face every challenge and celebrate every triumph that comes their way.

"The substantial increment in the monetary aspect of our women's central contracts reflects our commitment to providing an environment where players can focus solely on their game. This also acknowledges the rising standard and influence of women's cricket globally.

"Four outstanding players have earned their central contracts this year. This not only showcases the depth of talent in our women's cricket but also encourages healthy competition and a spirit of excellence within the team."

ICC Women's Championship Standings 2022-25

With the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 cycle in focus, Saleem Jaffar, the Chair of Women’s Selection Committee also emphasized the significance of awarding a 23-month-long contract.

“The selection committee is pleased to announce the players who have been awarded contracts, considering the extensive cricketing calendar that lies ahead," Jaffar said. "We believe in the development of emerging talent, and these new contracts aim to give confidence in these players as they prepare for the upcoming cricket season.

"Our primary focus while awarding contracts for the next 23 months has been to recognise consistent performance and dedication displayed by the players throughout the ICC Women's Championship cycle that began in 2022. The matches against Sri Lanka marked the inception of this evaluation, and we have precisely assessed each player's contribution during this cycle."

Pakistan Women’s Central Contracts (1 August 2023 to 30 June 2025):

Category A (3) – Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar and Sidra Amin
Category B (4) – Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Nashra Sundhu
Category C (5) – Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Nawaz
Category D (8) – Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Najiha Alvi, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani