In a major step forward for women’s cricket in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced new central contracts for the 2025–26 season, featuring a 50% salary increase across all tiers and an expansion in the number of contracted players. This development comes as part of a broader push to professionalize and elevate the status of the women’s game ahead of a packed international calendar.
The revamped contract list now includes 20 players—up from 16 in the previous year—spread across five categories: A, B, C, D, and a newly introduced “Emerging” Category E. The board emphasized its commitment to rewarding performance and investing in future talent, reflecting a clear shift toward a younger, merit-based selection model.
Category A includes four of Pakistan’s most consistent performers—Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sadia Iqbal, and Sidra Amin. Notably, Sadia Iqbal’s promotion follows her rise to No. 1 in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, highlighting her growing importance in the team’s core. Category B features seasoned names like Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sundhu, while Category C is headlined by Rameen Shamim, marking her return to the national fold.
The D category includes players like Gull Feroza, Sidra Nawaz, and Tuba Hassan, with several making comebacks or maintaining consistent presence. The new Category E, focused on developing emerging talent, features promising youngsters Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, both of whom have impressed in junior and recent international appearances.
The PCB also confirmed that the contract period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026—aligning with Pakistan’s critical preparation phase ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup in September-October 2025 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026. These contracts are not only a reward for past performance but also an investment in the team’s future competitiveness on the world stage.
The salary hike is seen as a long-overdue correction. In previous years, domestic women players were often paid less than the national minimum wage, drawing criticism from both fans and former players. By significantly increasing retainers and expanding the talent pool, the PCB is sending a message of intent: women’s cricket is no longer on the sidelines.
Critically, the contract list reflects a generational shift. With some high-profile names missing—most notably former captain Nida Dar—the board appears to be prioritizing form, fitness, and future potential over legacy. It’s a bold move but one aligned with long-term goals.
In summary, the PCB’s latest central contract update is more than just a salary revision. It’s a statement of progress, recognition, and belief in the rising tide of women’s cricket in Pakistan. With increased financial backing and a clear pathway for emerging players, the national team looks better positioned than ever to compete with global powerhouses and inspire a new generation of female cricketers.