The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed a new set of core contracts for the 2024–25 season, marking a major reform of its women’s cricket program. However, all-rounder Aliya Riaz and former captain Nida Dar are conspicuously missing from the roster.
As part of a larger plan to concentrate on nurturing young talent and getting ready for the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2025–29, the PCB decided to leave out these seasoned players. The 16 contractual players have been divided into four groups by the board, with new skipper Fatima Sana and vice-captain Muneeba Ali heading the way in the top division.
Concerns have been raised by the exclusion of Nida Dar, who most recently captained Pakistan at the Asia Cup. Many fans and former female cricketers are debating her absence from the central contracts after she was removed from the captaincy position barely two months before the T20 World Cup. Other notable changes include the promotion of left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal to the second tier and the inclusion of three uncapped players: Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed explained the board’s rationale, stating, “The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme. By further investing in established players and offering clear pathways to emerging cricketers, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level.”
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