In a progressive stride to bolster women’s cricket at the grassroots and domestic levels, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the awarding of contracts to 65 women cricketers for the 2025-26 season.
This announcement not only reinforces PCB’s commitment to nurturing talent across the country but also marks the introduction of a new contractual structure aimed at enhancing the support and motivation for emerging and established players alike.
For the first time, the domestic contracts have been divided into two distinct categories, Gold and Silver, reflecting different tiers of remuneration and recognition. The Gold category honours 20 top performers, while 45 players have been awarded Silver contracts. These agreements will be valid from July 2025 through to June 2026, encompassing a period filled with a host of domestic and Under-19 tournaments designed to provide ample competitive exposure.
Among those awarded contracts, six players have already represented Pakistan at the international level, underscoring the quality and experience present in this cohort. Furthermore, 23 Under-19 and Emerging players have received contracts, emphasising PCB’s focus on developing the next generation of women cricketers. Such inclusivity ensures that promising talents from diverse regions and backgrounds are given opportunities to progress within the domestic circuit.
The Women’s National Selection Committee, featuring notable cricketing figures such as former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq and former Pakistan Women’s international Batool Fatima, meticulously selected the recipients. They based their choices on outstanding performances in previous domestic events and potential demonstrated in recent camps and trials. The list comprises well-known names alongside promising youngsters from various regions, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, and more, highlighting the geographical spread of talent across Pakistan.
Importantly, PCB has increased the overall remuneration from the previous season, signalling an investment in the professionalisation of women’s cricket domestically. This increment in monthly retainers is recognition not only of past performances but also of the promise players exhibit in their respective disciplines, be it batting, bowling, or all-round skills.
The Gold contract holders include prominent names like Anam Amin, Anosha Nasir, Ayesha Zafar, and Iram Javed, who have shown consistent performances both at the domestic and international levels. The Silver category features players from various cities, including emerging stars from the U19 bracket, who form the backbone for the future strength of Pakistan women’s cricket.
The PCB’s initiative to maintain consistency by awarding domestic contracts for three consecutive seasons illustrates its strategic approach to creating a strong and sustainable pipeline for national selection, ensuring that deserving players continue to receive financial and professional support.
With this structured approach to contracts and an increased focus on young talent, the PCB aims to uplift the competitive standard of women’s cricket nationally and enable a more robust transition of talent from regional academies to the highest levels.
Gold Contracts:
Anam Amin, Anosha Nasir, Ayesha Zafar, Dua Majid, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Rukh, Hafsa Khalid, Huraina Sajjad, Iram Javed, Kaynat Hafeez, Mahnoor Aftab, Neelam Mushtaq, Noreen Yaqoob, Saima Malik, Saira Jabeen, Tania Saeed, Tasmia Rubab, Yusra Amir, Zaib-un-Nisa, Zunash Abdul Sattar
Silver Contract:
Aleena Masood, Amber Kainat, Areesha Noor, Ayesha Bilal, Fatima Khan, Fatima Shahid, Fatima Zahra, Humna Bilal, Khadija Chishti, Laiba Mansoor, Maham Manzoor, Momina Riasat, Muqadas Bukhari, Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Noor-ul-Iman, Rabia Rani, Rida Aslam, Saiqa Riaz, Sana Urooj, Shabnam Hayat, Soha Fatima, Syeda Masooma Zahra
U19 and Emerging Players (All part of the silver category)
Aleesa Mukhtiar, Aqsa Bibi, Areesha Ansari, Barira Saif, Fizza Fiaz, Haniah Ahmer, Komal Khan, Laiba Nasir, Maham Anees, Mahnoor Zeb, Malaika Suhani, Manahil Rafiq, Meerab Sheikh, Memoona Khalid, Minahil Javaid, Quratulain, Ravail Farhan, Samiya Afsar, Shahar Bano, Syeda Batool Fatima, Tayyba Imdad, Wasifa Hussain, Zoofishan Ayyaz
This announcement is a testament to PCB’s vision of empowering women cricketers by providing them with the resources, encouragement, and platform necessary to thrive in a highly competitive sporting landscape. The future looks promising for women’s cricket in Pakistan as these contracts pave the way for sustained growth and success on the field.
