The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 50% increase in monthly retainers for centrally contracted women cricketers as part of the 2025–26 central contracts. The new contracts, finalised by the women’s selection committee along with head coach Mohammad Wasim, are effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
The increase applies across all categories, with significant promotions reflecting recent performances. Sadia Iqbal, currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, has been elevated to Category A, joining Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin.
Fast bowler Diana Baig has been upgraded from Category C to B, while offspinner Rameen Shamim moves from Category D to C. Shamim is the sole player in Category C.
All-rounder Aliya Riaz returns to the central contracts list in Category B after missing out last year. However, veteran cricketer Nida Dar remains absent from the list after taking an indefinite break from cricket in April amid reported tensions with the PCB.
This year also marks the introduction of a fifth tier—Category E, labeled the Emerging category—aimed at supporting upcoming talent. Uncapped batter Eyman Fatima and young opener Shawaal Zulfiqar are included under this new category. Both were part of Pakistan’s squad in the inaugural ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup in 2023 and are currently touring Ireland with the national team.
Ten players have been placed in Category D, with Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz, and Waheeda Akhtar earning fresh contracts.
The announcement comes ahead of a packed calendar for Pakistan women’s cricket, with two ICC events scheduled: the ODI World Cup in September–October 2025 and the T20 World Cup in June–July 2026. The team will also feature in multiple bilateral series at home and abroad.
Pakistan women’s central contracts 2025–26
Category A
Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin
Category B
Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu
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 (Emerging)
Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar