In a powerful and emotional moment for Pakistan cricket, seasoned all-rounder Nida Dar has decided to step away from the game to focus on her mental well-being. Once a symbol of grit and passion on the field, Dar’s announcement highlights the immense personal and professional pressures faced by elite athletes.
The 38-year-old made her decision public via the platform X (formerly Twitter), sharing a message that resonated widely across the cricketing community.
She wrote, “I would like to inform that a lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally and this has affected my mental health. For this reason I am taking a break for a while from cricket to focus on myself. Please respect the privacy. Thank you.”
The announcement comes at a time of transition in her career. Nida Dar was recently omitted from the squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025, held in Pakistan. Despite her absence, the team put on a flawless display—winning all five of their matches and topping the points table to secure a place in the ODI World Cup 2025.
Over the years, Dar has been a key figure in Pakistan’s women’s side, known for her fierce off-spin, match-winning cameos, and unmatched commitment in the field. She has featured in 112 ODIs and 160 WT20Is, scoring 1,690 and 2,091 runs respectively. With the ball, she’s claimed 108 wickets in ODIs and a staggering 144 in T20Is—making her one of Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers in the shorter format.
Her most recent appearances came during a high-profile period. She played her last T20I on October 14, 2024, against New Zealand during the T20 World Cup group stage, and her final ODI was against England on May 29, 2024. Despite being in the 19-player training camp ahead of the Qualifiers, she was left out of the final squad, signaling a possible conclusion to an illustrious chapter.
In her illustrious journey, Dar also held key leadership roles—appointed vice-captain for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup and later becoming captain in April 2023. Known for her energy and fielding brilliance, she took 28 catches in ODIs and 42 in T20Is, adding another layer to her all-round capabilities.
Nida Dar’s decision serves as a powerful reminder that behind every record, every milestone, and every moment of brilliance is a human being navigating both triumph and turbulence. As she steps back to heal and reflect, she does so with dignity—and with the unwavering support of fans who will eagerly await her return, whenever she’s ready.
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