Pakistan Women's Cricket Archives

Uncapped Eyman Fatima named in women’s squad for Ireland series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Wednesday, announced a 15-member squad for the national women’s team for the upcoming tour of Ireland, with uncapped player Eyman Fatima receiving her first call-up.

Fatima Sana will continue to lead the Pakistan women’s team for the Ireland series, which will be played at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin from 6 to 10 August.

22-year-old Eyman Fatima is the only uncapped player in the squad. She has been selected after scoring 287 runs from eight matches at a strike rate of 155.14 in the National Women’s T20 Tournament held in Karachi in May this year.

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The right-handed batter also represented Pakistan in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in 2023.

The squad has been selected from among the 24 players taking part in the Women’s Skills camp, which will conclude on 27 July in Karachi.

At the conclusion of the Skills camp, the 15-member squad will undergo a pre-series camp in Karachi before departing for Ireland to take part in the bilateral series.

Pakistan women’s squad for Ireland tour

Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, and Waheeda Akhtar

Non-traveling reserves: Neha Sharmin, Omaima Sohail, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Nawaz, and Syeda Aroob Shah

Player support personnel: Hina Munawar (manager), Muhammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach bowling), Abdul Saad (assistant coach fielding), Waleed Ahmed (analyst), and Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist)

Series schedule:

6 Aug – First T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
8 Aug – Second T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
10 Aug – Third T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin

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PCB unveils Women’s Cricket Calendar for 2025-26 season

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Friday, unveiled the women’s cricket calendar for the 2025-26 season.

During this season, women cricketers will not only have the opportunity to play international cricket but will also feature in domestic tournaments.

In Pathways Cricket, Pakistan U19 will tour Bangladesh for a five-match T20 series in December this year.

Prior to that, the National Women’s U19 T20 Tournament is scheduled to take place in Karachi from 15 September to 6 October.

The top performers of the tournament will be invited to a three-week skills development camp, followed by the pre-departure camp for the Bangladesh series.

On the international front, to commence the 2025-26 season, the Pakistan women’s team will travel to Ireland for a three-match T20I series against the hosts in Dublin from 6 to 10 August.

Later, Pakistan will host South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a three-match ODI series, as part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.

The ODIs against South Africa will be played on 16, 19, and 22 September, with match timings to be confirmed in due course.

Following the series, Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka to participate in the mega event, where they are set to play their seven league-stage matches from 2 to 24 October.

Should Pakistan qualify for the semi-final on 29 October and the final on 2 November, both matches will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

To begin their campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29, Pakistan will tour South Africa from 7 February to 2 March 2026. In addition to three ODIs (part of the Championship), Pakistan will also play three T20Is.

In April, Pakistan will host Zimbabwe for three ODIs (part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29) and three T20Is. The matches are scheduled to take place from 24 April to 11 May, with further details to be provided in due course.

Before travelling to England for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Pakistan team will participate in a tri-nation T20 tournament in Ireland involving the hosts, Pakistan, and the West Indies, providing crucial preparation ahead of the T20 showpiece.

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The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from 12 June to 5 July, will mark the conclusion of the women’s international cricket calendar for the 2025-26 season.

On the domestic front, the National Women’s One-Day Tournament will be held in Karachi from 6 to 24 November.

The four-team competition will be played on a double league basis, with international players expected to take part in the 15-match event.

The National Women’s T20 Tournament will also be staged in Karachi from 24 March to 17 April 2026. The five-team competition will be played on a double league basis, comprising 23 fixtures.

In October this year, the Inter-University tournament is scheduled to take place, with more details on the schedule and venues to be confirmed in due course.

“The 2025-26 calendar reflects our strategic commitment to providing consistent and meaningful playing opportunities for our women cricketers at all levels,” said Head of Women’s Cricket Rafia Haider.

“From robust international assignments to competitive domestic tournaments, we are ensuring our players are fully prepared to excel on the world stage.

“Our Pathways structure continues to evolve with the aim of building a strong future for Pakistan women’s cricket.

“The U19 T20 tournament, followed by the tour to Bangladesh, will offer young players valuable exposure and an opportunity to develop the skills required at the international level.

“The upcoming season is significant, with major events such as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon.

“Our international schedule has been designed to ensure thorough preparation, with quality opposition that will enable the players to perform well and contribute to the team’s success.

“We are also actively engaging in discussions with various departments to introduce a departmental tournament for women’s cricket. This initiative will provide additional playing opportunities for our women cricketers.”

Pakistan Women’s international calendar 2025-26 season

Three T20Is v Ireland, Dublin (6-10 Aug, 2025)
Three ODIs v South Africa, Lahore (16-22 Sep, 2025)
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (30 Sep-2 Nov, 2025)
Three ODIs & Three T20Is v South Africa, South Africa (7 Feb-2 Mar, 2026)
Three ODIs & Three T20Is v Zimbabwe (venue to be confirmed) (24 Apr-11 May, 2026)
T20 Tri-series in Ireland involving Pakistan and West Indies (May-June, 2026)
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, England (12 June-5 July, 2026)

Domestic calendar

National Women’s One-Day Tournament, Karachi (6-24 Nov, 2025)
National Women’s T20 Tournament, Karachi (24 Mar-17 April, 2026)
HEC Inter-University (Oct 2025)

Pathways

Women’s U19 T20 Tournament, Karachi (15 Sep-6 Oct, 2025)
Pakistan U19 tour to Bangladesh (Dec, 2025)

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South Africa women’s team reaches Pakistan for T20I series

South Africa women’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan on Friday to play a three-match T20I series against the home side.

The South African side touched down at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and reached Multan by road, where the series will be played.

South Africa women’s cricket team was warmly welcomed in a traditional manner at the local hotel in Multan.

The visiting team will rest today while the Pakistan women’s team will train at Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy today at 3:30 PM.

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Notably, the three-match series will serve as the preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 3 to 20 October.

To ensure all three matches are broadcast live and give exposure to women’s cricket, the matches on 16 and 18 September will start at 7 pm, while the match on 20 September will begin at 10 am.

After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on 21 September, while Pakistan will leave on 23 September.

Pakistan is in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.

Pakistan squad for Women’s T20 World Cup and South Africa series

Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

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Javeria Khan announces retirement from international cricket

LAHORE: Javeria Khan has announced her retirement from international cricket 15 years after making her ODI debut against Sri Lanka during the Women’s Asia Cup in 2008. Meanwhile, her T20I debut came against Ireland in Dublin in 2009.

Javeria went on to represent the Pakistan women’s team in 228 international matches and scored 4,903 runs, which included two centuries and 25 half-centuries. She also bagged 28 international wickets.

She is currently listed as the second leading run scorer in ODIs and T20Is for the Pakistan women’s team and is the only women’s cricketer from Pakistan to have scored over 2,000 runs in each format besides Bismah Maroof.

“I want to call it a day and announce my retirement, however, I will be available for league cricket. I am grateful to the unwavering support I received throughout my career,” Javeria Khan said while announcing her retirement.

“I want to thank my family, teammates, the Pakistan Cricket Board, my department ZTBL for their support and guidance at each step, and my fans whose appreciation was instrumental in bringing out the best in me.

“I have been blessed to hold Pakistan’s flag globally.”

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Javeria Khan represented Pakistan in four 50-over World Cups (2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022) and in all eight T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2023) held since its inception.

She was also part of the Pakistan women’s team squad that won the Gold medal in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games held in China and South Korea, respectively.

The right-handed all-rounder also captained the Pakistan women’s team in 17 ODIs and 16 T20Is. Among the 16 T20Is, she captained the side in two editions (2018 and 2020) of ICC Women’s T20 World Cups.

The 35-year-old Karachi-born player also participated in the PCB Level 2 Cricket Coach course held in August last year in Lahore.

“On behalf of the PCB and all cricket fans, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Javeria Khan for her invaluable contributions to women’s cricket in Pakistan,” Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick said.

“Her glittering records with the bat speak for themselves and I am confident that her illustrious career will inspire many girls in the country to not just take up this sport but also excel at it across many years.

“As Javeria announces her retirement, we reflect on her remarkable career and services she has rendered for Pakistan cricket. We thank her for her untiring commitment and wish her all the success in her future endeavours.”

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Pakistan Women’s team lost to Sri Lanka in Asian Games 2023 semi-finals

HANGZHOU: Pakistan Women’s cricket team crashed out of the race to win gold at the Asian Games 2023 as they lost to Sri Lanka by six wickets in the semi-finals at Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field on Sunday.

The Sri Lanka Women’s team opted to bowl first and struck early as Sidra Ameen departed in the third over with a mere 11 runs on the board.

Shawaal Zulfiqar was the next one to go, after stitching a brief 31-ball 19-run partnership with Omaima Sohail. Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 16 off 27 and was followed by Omaima Sohail to the pavilion on the next ball leaving Pakistan reeling at 30-3 in 8.1 overs.

Pakistan Women’s team never recovered and managed to add a meagre 45 runs with the loss of six more wickets, making a total of 75-9 in their allocated 20 overs.

Shawaal Zulfiqar top scored with 16 runs and was one of the only three batters to reach double figures.

Udeshika Prabodhani led the bowling for Sri Lanka with the figures of 3-21, while, Kavisha Dilhari managed to take two wickets.

Sri Lanka Women’s team started their chase cautiously and lost their first wicket in the form of captain Chamari Athapaththu at a total of 17 in four overs.

Diana Baig then removed Anushka Sanjeewani, while Umm-e-Hani handed Vishmi Gunaratne a golden duck to reduce Sri Lanka to 35-3.

Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva, then knitted a solid 35-run partnership to put Sri Lanka in the driving seat, before the former perished courtesy of a run-out.

With only six runs needed from four overs, Nilakshi de Silva quickly ended the game in style with a six to lead Sri Lanka to a six-wicket win to qualify for the finals of the Asian Games.

Nilakshi de Silva scored an unbeaten 18 off 31, while Harshitha Samarawickrama top-scored for Sri Lanka with 23 off 41.

Prior to that, India Women’s team defeated Bangladesh Women’s Team in the first semi-final of the Asian Games by eight wickets after booking them for a mere 51 runs. They successfully chased the total in the ninth over.

Notably, the Pakistan women’s team entered the tournament as the defending champions, having won gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, however, this year they will play Bangladesh for the bronze medal on September 25.

Meanwhile, India and Sri Lanka will square off in the final of the women’s cricket event of the Asian Games on the same day.

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Pakistan Women’s team qualify for the semi-final of Asian Games

HANGZHOU: Pakistan Women’s cricket team qualified for the Asian Games 2023 semi-finals after their quarter-final clash against Indonesia at Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field was washed out due to persistent rain here.

Pakistan women’s cricket team qualified for the semi-finals on the basis of better seeding in the tournament.

Notably, the Pakistan women’s team is the defending champion of the women’s cricket event of the Asian Games, having won gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games.

Pakistan women’s team entered the Asian Games 2023 with momentum in their favour as they secured a historic whitewash against South Africa.

“The team is in high spirits and every player is looking forward to the Asian Games. After practicing for two days here in Hangzhou, we are all set to play Indonesia tomorrow. The Asian Games hold a special place in our hearts, and we are determined to bring home another gold medal,” Dar was quoted as saying in a PCB press release.

“That we enter this tournament after having beaten South Africa comprehensively in the T20I series will certainly help us and we look forward on carrying that momentum. The players are up for showcasing their skills on the field again.”

India on the other hand have also qualified for the semi-finals while Sri Lanka will face Thailand and Bangladesh will face Hong Kong in the other two quarter-finals on Friday.

Meanwhile, the final and the third-place playoff for the Bronze medal will be held on September 25.

Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani

Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

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PAKW vs SAW: Pakistan crush South Africa to avoid clean sweep

KARACHI: Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof scored brilliant half-centuries after a combined bowling effort propelled Pakistan to thump South Africa by eight wickets in the third PAKW vs SAW ODI to avoid the series sweep.

Set to chase a modest 186, Pakistan comfortably completed the run chase for the loss of just two wickets and 72 balls to spare, courtesy of a brilliant partnership between Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof.

The hosts, however, had a contrasting start to their innings as they lost young opener Sadaf Shamas (13) in the 10th over with 39 runs on the board.

Following the early blow, Sidra Ameen was joined by experienced Bismah at the crease and the pair anchored the run chase with a match-winning partnership.

Bismah and Sidra added 110 runs for the second wicket with both scoring half-centuries.

The pair dominated the South African bowlers before Sidra faltered against Nadine de Klerk in the 33rd over when Pakistan still needed 27 runs.

Sidra Ameen top-scored for Pakistan in the third PAKW vs SAW ODI with an 82-ball 68 which featured six boundaries.

Bismah, on the other hand, stood her ground firm and with a helping hand from Aliya Riaz (19*) steered Pakistan to a dominating victory.

Bismah remained unbeaten on 60 off 98 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

For South Africa Women, Ayabonga Khaka and de Klerk could pick up a wicket apiece.

Watch PAKW vs SAW ODI Live on ARY ZAP

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt’s decision to bat first backfired as she was undone by Sadia Iqbal’s off-spinner on the fourth ball of the innings.

Fellow opener Tazmin Brits soon followed her captain back to the pavilion after a brief innings of 32 off 31.

Pakistani spin bowlers kept things tight and reduced South Africa to 64-4 in 17 overs before Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk stitched a conscious 36-run partnership to help South Africa reach the 100-run mark.

However, Sadia Iqbal broke the stand with her second wicket of the innings as Kapp walked back to the pavilion after scoring 21 runs off 41 balls with the help of one boundary.

Delmi Tucker then played a brief cameo 28 off 25 before being out-stumped at a total of 137.

Meanwhile, Nadine de Klerk tackled Pakistani bowlers bravely and scored her maiden ODI half-century amid falling wickets on the other end to drag the team’s total to 185 in the final PAKW vs SAW ODI.

She played a conscious innings of 60 off 95, featuring three boundaries, which ended courtesy of a runout, hence ending South Africa’s innings in the third PAKW vs SAW ODI.

Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal contributed with two wickets each, while, Diana Baig, Aliya Riaz and debutant Waheeda Akhtar managed one wicket.

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PCB announces schedule of Women’s U19 T20 tournament

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the schedule of the five-team U19 T20 Women Cricket Tournament 2023, which is set to commence at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke from Wednesday, 13 September.

The tournament promises to showcase the incredible talent and passion of young female cricketers from across the nation.

The tournament will feature five teams namely Challengers, Conquerors, Invincibles, Stars and Strikers.

The nine-day tournament will be conducted on a round-robin basis, meaning each team will play at least four matches. The final will be played on 21 September, after the league stage is done.

The toss will take place at 09:30 PST, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 10:00 PST.

The U19 T20 Women Cricket Tournament 2023 serves as a perfect opportunity for the players to stake a claim in the national U19 side ahead of Pakistan U19 women’s team’s maiden tour to Bangladesh in January 2024.

📅 Mark your calendars for the Women's U19 T20 tournament starting on September 13th!

Details here ➡️ https://t.co/IkgY0q7KJ7 #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/g9aR9ycRx2

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 12, 2023

To further incentivise the players to bring out their best performances, the PCB has also introduced financial awards to encourage the players to bring out their best. The winning team will receive PKR 0.5 million, while the runner-up will get PKR 0.3 million.

The player of the tournament will be awarded PKR25,000 and each player of the match will receive PKR10,000. The tournament’s top performers – best player, best batter, best bowler and best wicket-keeper – will be gifted kit bags to encourage them to enhance their skills and pursue their cricketing ambitions.

The PCB has also finalised the five squads, which consist of 14 players each. These squads have been selected by the national women’s selection committee headed by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar after country-wide open trials in eight academies last month.

Eleven players have been placed in the reserve pool and they can be called up based on a team’s requirement. Only players born on or after 1 September 2004 are eligible to play in the tournament.

Squads:

Challengers – Mahnoor Aftab (captain), Aleesha Khan, Ezza Nadeem, Fizza Fiaz, Maheen Irfan, Mirab Amin, Muqadas Bukhari, Noor Mehdi, Raahima Syed, Ravail Farhan, Saba Sher, Sumbal Liaqat, Tanzeela Niaz and Widad Iftikhar

Coaching staff – Waqar Orakzai (head coach), Intikhab Alam (assistant coach), Maria Gulnaz (manager) and Tehreem Sumbal (physio)

Conquerors – Zaibun Nisa (captain), Araika Karam, Dina Razvi, Javeria Siddique, Jennifer Basharat, Maham Anees, Malaika Riaz, Memoona Khalid, Muskan Abid, Nasreen Ashraf, Nimra Riaz, Quratulain Ahsen, Rida Aslam and Zainab Ishtiaq

Coaching staff – Zulfiqar Babar (head coach), Jaweria Rauf (assistant coach), Asiya Khan (manager) and Laila Niaz Khan (physio)

Invincibles – Haniah Ahmer (captain), Aiza Khan, Hafsa Khan, Haleema Dua Zafar, Humaira, Kainat Gulalai, Khizra Liaqat, Memoona Tippu Sultan, Rimsha Shehzadi, Sana Talib, Sania Rasheed, Tayyaba Imdad, Zarish Farooq Samuel and Zoofishan Ayyaz

Coaching staff – Waseem Yousufi (head coach), Shakir Qayyum (assistant coach), Hajra Baloch (manager) and Izza Idrees (physio)

Stars – Laiba Nasir (captain), Anaya Khan, Arooj Mazhar, Fariha Fahim, Kainat Eman Shah, Komal Khan, Maham Ali, Mahnoor Mamoon, Manahil Khursheed, Mubeen Ahmed, Samiya Afsar, Shehr Bano, Tahira Arif and Zainab Asif Jutt

Coaching staff – Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Nahida Khan (assistant coach), Najma Zafar (manager) and Rabia Siddiq (physio)

Strikers – Kainat Riasat (Captain), Aiman Arooj, Aleesa Mukhtiar, Aman Fatima, Aqsa Yousuf, Areesha Ansari, Attiya Noor, Esha Tir Razia, Hasnat Ibrahim, Ifrah Tufail, Noor Ul Ain Idrees, Rida Sajid, Sawera Ishaq and Taskyn Fatima

Coaching staff – Hajrwa Sarwar (head coach), Rehmat Gull (assistant coach), Shagufta Kazim (manager) and Rabbia Kamray (physio)

Reserve players – Angelina Khurram, Asma Tauqeer, Eman Liaqat, Kiran Qadir, Mahnaz Bibi, Mahnoor Rani, Meerab Shahid, Qandeel Mohsin, Sana Khan, Widia Iftikhar and Zoha Yousaf

Tournament schedule (all matches at Lahore Country Club, Muridke) matches begin at 10 am

13 Sept –Invincibles v Stars (Ground 1); Conquerors v Challengers (Ground 2)

14 Sep – Stars v Conquerors (Ground 1); Challengers v Strikers (Ground 2)

16 Sep – Invincibles v Conquerors (Ground 1); Stars v Strikers (Ground 2)

17 Sep – Invincibles v Strikers (Ground 1); Stars v Challengers (Ground 2)

19 Sep –Conquerors v Strikers (Ground 1); Invincibles v Challengers (Ground 2)

21 Sep – Final

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ARY ZAP to stream PAK vs SA Women series, domestic events

KARACHI: ARY ZAP, Pakistan’s leading and popular mobile app, has been awarded live-streaming rights for the Pakistan region for the upcoming series of the Pakistan women’s cricket team against South Africa, as well as for domestic cricket events, including the National T20, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup following its successful bid in an open and transparent public tender process conducted by the PCB.

By being granted these rights, ARY ZAP will live-stream three T20Is and three ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25) between Pakistan and South Africa women’s teams at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi from 1 to 14 September.

ARY ZAP’s live streaming partnership with PCB began in the 2022-23 season when ARY successfully acquired rights for Pakistan’s bilateral series against West Indies, England, and New Zealand.

PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf: “The PCB is excited about the response it has received for its live-streaming media rights in the Pakistan region, covering the bilateral women’s cricket series between Pakistan and South Africa, along with the domestic events in three different formats.

“The keen interest shown by valued partners like ARY ZAP is indeed a significant and encouraging step. Their commitment, evident through our open tender process, is a testament to the evolving landscape of cricket.

“We hope to further build upon this and ensure better engagement and content offerings for not only our TV audiences but also our online viewers.”

ARY Digital Founder and CEO, Salman Iqbal: “ARY has always supported and promoted Pakistan cricket and I hope that this partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength.

“South Africa’s tour of Pakistan is a historic event for women’s cricket in Pakistan that will be streamed live on ARY Zap. We will continue to work with PCB to bring our fans exciting cricket action.

“These PCB events now form part of a stellar ARY content portfolio. The ARY group has successfully showcased the HBL Pakistan Super League, bilateral matches featuring the Pakistan Men’s team, ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups, 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, SA20, Lanka Premier League, Major League Cricket, Canada Global T20, Fair Break Invitational T20, Formula 1, and La Liga.”

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PCB announces first-ever domestic contracts for women cricketers

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a significant development announced that 74 women cricketers have been awarded 11-month domestic contracts, the first of its kind in women’s cricket on Wednesday.

Among the 74 players, 59 players belong to emerging and U19 categories, while 14 players have already represented the Pakistan women’s team at the senior level.

This important advancement is set to provide a substantial boost to the confidence of women cricketers, as an action-packed women’s cricket season is all set to resume on 1 September.

These domestic contracts have been conferred upon individuals who have displayed remarkable performances across various cricketing platforms, including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U19 domestic tournaments, and the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup. The players have been selected by the national women’s selection committee led by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, with recommendations from national and academy coaches. The initiative aims not only to acknowledge their hard work and dedication but also to elevate the standard of women’s cricket within the country.

The decision to offer these contracts underscores the commitment of the Pakistan Cricket Board led by the Management Committee Chairperson Mr Zaka Ashraf to foster the growth of women’s cricket, provide a viable career path, and motivate more women to participate and excel in the sport. This step will have a ripple effect on women’s cricket, encouraging more players to aspire to play at the highest level.

PCB Management Committee Head Zaka Ashraf: “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have earned these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication. Today marks a significant and joyous occasion for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic step towards uplifting women’s cricket in our nation.

“This initiative isn’t just about signing contracts, it’s about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve.

“It is our firm belief that empowering these athletes will not only elevate the standard of our women’s cricket but also inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.”

Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick: “We are thrilled to announce the awarding of domestic contracts to 74 of our finest women cricketers. This historic moment not only recognises their extraordinary skills but also aims to instil confidence and determination among our women athletes. As we approach a busy women’s cricket season, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure their success.”

In addition to the domestic contracts, the PCB has also resumed facilities for women cricketers to train in eight cricket academies across the country, seven of which are operational. The operational academies include National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan, Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Bugti Stadium in Quetta and Women’s Sports Stadium in Bahawalpur.

Players who have been offered domestic contracts will not be a part of the women’s central contracts 2023-24, which will be announced in due course. The players in the domestic contracts, in addition to receiving monthly retainers, will also receive a match fee, daily allowance, and a share in prize money.

The 74 players along with their cities in alphabetical order are:

Aima Saleem (Rawalpindi), Aimen Anwar (Karachi), Aisha Javed (Lahore), Aleena Shah (Peshawar), Aliza Khan (Karachi), Amber Kainat (Lahore), Anam Amin (Lahore), Areesha Noor Bhatti (Lahore), Arijah Haseeb (Karachi), Asma Amin (Faisalabad), Asma Shareef (Arifwala), Ayesha Asim (Quetta), Ayesha Bilal (Lahore), Ayesha Zafar (Lahore), Dina Razvi (Karachi), Dua Majid (Lahore), Fajr Naveed (Rawalpindi), Fareeha Mehmood (Lahore), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fatima Shahid (Lahore), Fatima Zehra (Rawalpindi), Gul-e-Uswa (Multan), Gull Feroza (Multan), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Haleema Azeem Dar (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Humna Bilal (Rawalpindi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Iram Javed (Lahore), Jannat Rasheed (Quetta), Javeria Khan (Karachi), Jaweria Rauf (Karachi), Kainat Imtiaz (Karachi), Kaynat Hafeez (Lahore), Khadija Chishti (Lahore), Kinza Wahab (Karachi), Laiba Mansoor (Rawalpindi), Laiba Nasir (Lahore), Lubna Behram (Hunza), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Maham Manzoor (Hyderabad), Maham Tariq (Karachi), Mahnoor Aftab (Peshawar), Masooma Zehra (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad), Natalia Parvaiz (Bhimber), Neha Sharmeen Sheikh (Karachi), Noor-Ul-Eman (Bahawalpur), Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore), Quratulain Ahsen (Lahore), Rameen Shamim (Karachi), Rida Aslam (Lahore), Saba Nazir (Muridke), Saima Malik (Quetta), Saiqa Riaz (Lahore), Saira Jabeen (Chitral), Sana Talib (Rahim Yar Khan), Sania Rasheed (Rawalpindi), Shabnam Hayat (Karachi), Soha Fatima (Lahore), Subhana Tariq (Karachi), Syeda Taskyn Fatima (Karachi), Tasmia Rubab (Lahore), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad), Tahzeeb Shah (Swabi), Waheeda Akhter (Lahore), Wajeeha Muneer (Multan), Warda Yousaf (Okara), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi), Yusra Amir (Karachi), Zaib-un-Nisa (Charsadda), Zamina Tahir (Lahore), Zunaira Shah (Karachi) and Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore)