The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rung in a bold new era for women’s cricket, unveiling a refreshed central contract list that both rewards current stars and lays the foundation for the future. Front and centre is Sadia Iqbal, the world’s No.1, ranked T20I bowler, who leads the 2025-26 roster after a stellar year with promotion to the coveted Category A.
Announced on August 6, the contracts, effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, come with a significant financial boost, as player retainers are set to rise by 50% across all categories. This marks the PCB’s most substantial investment in women’s contracts to date, underlining its growing commitment to the women’s game as Pakistan prepares for two global showpieces: the ICC Women’s Cricket ODI World Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Twenty players have been awarded central contracts, with four securing Category A status: Sadia Iqbal, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin. Iqbal’s rise is no surprise; her match-winning spells and composure under pressure have set new standards for Pakistan’s bowling attack.
In Category B, experienced campaigners like Diana Baig, who earned a promotion following a strong return from injury, are joined by Aliya Riaz and Nashra Sundhu, both of whom have featured in crucial victories over the past season. Rameen Shamim, moving up to Category C, has been lauded for her all-round growth.
Category D is a blend of youth and experience, with opportunities spread among emerging names such as Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Tuba Hassan, as well as seasoned hands like Sidra Nawaz and Omaima Sohail.
But perhaps the most exciting development is the introduction of the new ‘Emerging’ Category E. Here, a 20-year-old batter Eyman Fatima, whose domestic form has sparked whispers of a “next big thing”, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, already with international experience, become the first to be rewarded under this fresh initiative. Both have recently featured in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series in Dublin, a sign that the pathway from underage success to the national team is now clearer than ever.
Finalised as part of consultations between the PCB Women’s Selection Committee and head coach Muhammad Wasim, these contracts reflect both recent performances and the depth of potential needed as Pakistan targets success on the largest stage.
With 2025-26 set to be a transformative season, marked by the double challenge of the ODI and T20 World Cups, the PCB’s new central contract structure sends a strong message: performance will be rewarded, pathways will be created, and the women’s game will be back like never before.
The PCB’s dual focus, elevating star performers while investing in emerging prospects, reflects a holistic vision for the women’s game in Pakistan. One of the notable exclusions was of their former skipper, Nida Dar, who did not find a spot in the latest contract.
Full List of PCB Women’s Central Contracts 2025-26:
Category A:
Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin
Category B:
Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu
Category C:
Rameen Shamim
Category D:
Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
Category E (“Emerging”):
Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar
With renewed contracts, expanded benefits, and a reinvigorated squad, Pakistan’s women now have the platform to turn potential into podium finishes. As two World Cups beckon, the future of Pakistan women’s cricket looks brighter and more competitive than ever before.
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