Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz Excluded as PCB Shifts Focus to Next-Gen Talent
Former Pakistan captain Nida Dar and experienced all-rounder Aliya Riaz are notable omissions from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts list for the 2024-25 international season. The PCB’s revised 16-member list, effective from July 1, 2024, underscores a strategic shift towards nurturing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2025-29.
The updated structure categorizes players into four groups, with no details revealed about the financial retainers. In contrast to last year’s 20 contracted players, this year’s list has been trimmed to 16, reflecting the PCB’s renewed focus on identifying and investing in emerging talent.
Key Promotions and New Faces
New captain Fatima Sana and her deputy, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali, have been promoted to Category A, alongside opener Sidra Amin. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been elevated to Category B following a year of consistent performances.
The contracts include three first-time recipients: wicketkeeper-batter Gull Feroza, offspinner Rameen Shamim, and right-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab.
High-Profile Omissions
Despite leading Pakistan during the Asia Cup in July 2024, Nida Dar has been excluded from the central contracts list. Dar’s tenure as captain ended shortly after Pakistan’s semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. Fatima Sana took over the reins two months before the T20 World Cup in the UAE, where her leadership began with a 1-2 home series defeat to South Africa.
Aliya Riaz, a key all-rounder for Pakistan in recent years, also finds herself out of the contracted group. Additionally, Sidra Nawaz, Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar have not had their contracts renewed. All five players remain available for selection despite their exclusion.
PCB’s Vision for Women’s Cricket
“The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme,” PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed said. He emphasized the board’s dual approach of investing in current players through enhanced retainers while creating pathways for emerging talent.
“Women’s cricket is a cornerstone of our broader development strategy,” Syed added. “Our vision is clear: to build a stronger and more competitive Pakistan women’s team that can consistently challenge on the global stage and proudly represent the nation in upcoming ICC events.”
List of PCB’s Centrally Contracted Women Players
Category A: Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin
Category B: Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal
Category C: Diana Baig, Omaima Sohail
Category D: Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani
