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Key Points

The PCB has announced the Women's Central Contracts for 2025-26, with Sadia Iqbal's promotion to Category A being the highlight. Player retainers have been increased by 50%, benefiting all categories. A new Emerging tier has been introduced to nurture young talent like Eyman Fatima. The contracts reflect Pakistan’s focus on strengthening women’s cricket ahead of key ICC events.

Key Points: Sadia Iqbal Promoted as PCB Announces Women's Central Contracts

  • PCB increases player retainers by 50% across all categories
  • Sadia Iqbal promoted to Category A after topping ICC T20I rankings
  • Emerging Category E introduced for uncapped players like Eyman Fatima
  • Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim among notable upgrades in contract tiers
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Sadia Iqbal promoted to Category A as PCB announce Women's Central Contracts for 2025-26 season

PCB boosts women's cricket with 50% pay hike, Sadia Iqbal elevated to Category A, and new Emerging tier introduced for young talent.

"Sadia Iqbal's move to Category A reflects her growing stature in international cricket. - PCB"

Islamabad, August 6

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the Women's Central Contracts for the 2025-26 season, with bowler Sadia Iqbal promoted to Category A, as per the ICC.

The contracts, which run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, feature a 50 per cent increase in player retainers across all categories.

Sadia Iqbal, currently holding the No.1 spot in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, headlines a group of 20 contracted players, with her move to Category A to match her growing stature in international cricket. Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin are the other Category A players.

There were notable upgrades for several players, with Diana Baig moving up to Category B from C, and Rameen Shamim advancing from D to C. Among the new contract recipients are Aliya Riaz (Category B), Sidra Nawaz (D), Natalia Parvaiz (D), and Waheeda Akhtar (D).

In a move aimed at nurturing young talent, the PCB has introduced a new 'Emerging' Category E, featuring uncapped batter Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who has already represented Pakistan in three ODIs and seven T20Is, as the first players to be awarded contracts under this new tier. Both are part of Pakistan's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland in Dublin.

The contracts were finalised by the PCB women's selection committee in consultation with head coach Muhammad Wasim, reflecting recent performances and future potential as Pakistan gear up for a crucial period in women's cricket.

The women's side is scheduled to participate in two marquee ICC events in the next few months, having qualified for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup after emerging winners in the Qualifier at home, and next year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Full list of contracted players:

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:

Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 50% pay increase is a welcome move, but PCB should also invest more in grassroots development. Our Indian women's team has shown what proper infrastructure can do - Pakistan should learn from that model.
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Aman W
Emerging category is a smart idea! Nurturing young talent early is how you build strong teams. Hope to see more India-Pakistan women's matches soon - the rivalry is always exciting 🤩
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I must say Pakistan's women's team has improved tremendously. Sadia's rise reminds me of how Jhulan Goswami dominated for India. More power to women's cricket across borders!
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Nikhil C
The pay hike is good but still way behind BCCI's contracts for our women players. PCB needs to do more if they want to compete with top teams like Australia and England in the World Cups.
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Kavya N
So happy for Diana Baig's promotion! She's been working hard. As an Indian, I love seeing our neighboring countries excel in women's sports. Cricket unites us all 🏏

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