PCB Announces Women’s Cricket Central Contracts: Fatima Sana Promoted to Category A, Dar and Riaz Omitted
November 16, 2024 – In a recent announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed its new batch of central contracts for the women’s cricket team. The updated contracts feature 16 players, with some notable changes and omissions.
Fatima Sana, who recently took over as the team’s captain from Nida Dar, has been promoted to the prestigious Category A. This comes as a reward for her outstanding all-round performances leading up to and during the T20 World Cup in the UAE, where Pakistan beat Sri Lanka but lost to India, Australia, and eventual champions New Zealand.
Alongside Sana, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has also been elevated to Category A, joining Sidra Amin, who retains her position. Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim make a comeback to the central-contracts list, while Tasmia Rubab is included for the first time.
However, the notable omissions from the new contracts include former captain Nida Dar and all-rounder Aliya Riaz. Dar, who was in Category A last year, and Riaz, who had been demoted to Category B, have both been left out. This decision is believed to be influenced by their dwindling form and concerns about their attitude within the team setup.
“The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme,” said the PCB’s new Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmad Syed. “By further investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and offering clear pathways to the emerging cricketers, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level.”
The updated central contracts list includes the following 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
The delayed announcement of the contracts, which were due to run out at the end of July, is part of the ongoing uncertainty and upheaval in Pakistan women’s cricket. The long-promised women’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament, first announced by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, is yet to materialize, despite the board’s efforts.
🔗 Source