On Wednesday (August 06), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the central contracts of the women’s national cricket team players for the 2025-2026 season. These contracts are currently running from 01st July 2025 (Tuesday) onwards and will continue to be effective till 30th June 2026 (Tuesday).

The PCB confirmed that the new contracts will increase the player retainer fees upto 50% each month across all five categories.

After consulting the head coach, Muhammad Wasim, the PCB women’s selection committee finalized the contracts based on the players’ recent performance and their ability to become the future of the Pakistan cricket team.

Pakistan’s No.1 T20 Bowler Promoted to Category A

Sadia Iqbal, who currently holds the top position in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, grabbed the headlines by moving to Category A, which includes high-profile, consistent performers such as Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin. This shows the 30-year-old’s rise to prominence in international cricket.

Notable Promotions for Pakistan Women Cricketers

Also, certain players were upgraded from their previous categories, including the names of Diana Baig (from Category C to Category B) and Rameen Shamim (from Category D to Category C).

Meanwhile, some new candidates joined the contract list, such as Aliya Riaz in Category B, whereas Category D includes Sidra Nawaz, Waheeda Akhtar, and Natalia Parvaiz.

What is Category E? A New Move By PCB

As an initiative to develop the emerging talents, the PCB has introduced a new category called “Category E” to provide valuable opportunities to the youngsters.

Along with the capped batter Shawaal Zulfiqar, Eyman Fatima joined this category as an uncapped player before the Ireland tour.

The 20-year-old Eyman recently made her international debut representing Pakistan in the ongoing 3-match T20I series against Ireland that started on August 06th in Dublin. Whereas, Shawaal played 3 ODIs and 7 T20Is.

This new category is unveiled to provide systematic support and honor those promising youngsters who are on the verge of making a debut in the national team and becoming future stars.

Other Notable Inclusions and Exclusions from PCB’s Central Contract 2025-26

After missing out on the PCB’s central contract in the previous year, Pakistani all-rounder Aliya Riaz joins the list under Category B.

However, the spin-bowling all-rounder Nida Dar once again missed out on a chance to find her name in this year’s central contract list as well. The 38-year-old was dropped from the central contract list last year due to her declining form and worsening relationship with the PCB. Also, she has taken an uncertain break from cricket since April this year.

An Important Phase for Pakistan Women’s Cricket in 2025

The women’s team is actively preparing for the two ICC events in the next 12 months, which include the ODI World Cup from September 30 to November 02, and the T20 World Cup in June 2026.

Overall List of Pakistan Senior Women’s Cricket Contracted Players

The following list illustrates 20 Pakistani women cricketers categorized into five different categories, namely ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, and ‘E’:

From the above list, it becomes clear that a total of 10 players are placed in Category D. It includes the fresh entrants such as Sidra Nawaz, Natalia Parvaiz, and Waheeda Akhtar.

Conclusion

PCB’s announcement regarding women’s central contract comes 45 days before the commencement of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.

Currently, the Pakistan cricket team is busy with its upcoming international schedule. Additionally, the improved contracts of the players are likely to encourage their psychological state and motivate them to deliver a consistent performance for their team’s success and growth at the international level.