PCB grants central contracts and salary boost to women cricketers

The new contracts, effective from July, cover 20 players across five categories, with upgrades for key names

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced new central contracts for the national women cricketers, which include a significant salary increase across all categories.

In a move to promote and support the women’s game, the PCB has raised the players’ retainers by 50 percent.

A total of 20 players were announced to have been awarded contracts, divided into five categories, with notable inclusions and promotions across the board. Sadia Iqbal, the ICC T20I’s top-ranked bowler, has been placed in Category A, alongside Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin.

Category B includes Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu, while Rameen Shamim is the only player in Category C.

🚨 Pakistan women’s central contracts for the 2025-26 season announced

A total of 20 players have been awarded enhanced contracts for the new cycle 📝

Read more: https://t.co/zVONmNbpcb#BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/eE0x3GA1sC

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 6, 2025

Ten players, including Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, and Omaima Sohail, are in Category D, while Category E comprises Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.

Among the 20 contracted players, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz, Waheeda Akhtar, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar are new inclusions. These players will be under contract from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

The announcement comes ahead of a busy year for the Pakistan women’s team, who will participate in two major ICC events - the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (September-October 2025) and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (June 2026).

The women’s team will also play several bilateral series at home and abroad.

Notable promotions include Diana Baig, who has moved from Category C to B, and Rameen Shamim, who has been promoted from Category D to C. The final list of players was approved by the women’s selection committee in consultation with head coach Mohammad Wasim.

The PCB’s move to increase the salary structure reflects their continued commitment to supporting and developing women’s cricket in Pakistan, ensuring the players are well-equipped for the challenges ahead.