The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced domestic contracts for 65 women cricketers for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen women’s cricket at both senior and pathway levels. For the first time, the contracts have been divided into two categories, Gold and Silver, with 20 players receiving Gold contracts and 45 players awarded Silver. The contracts will cover the period from July 2025 to June 2026, during which several domestic and U19 tournaments are scheduled to be played.
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In its statement, the PCB highlighted that the retainers were not only awarded to consistent performers from past domestic tournaments but also to players who have demonstrated potential and skill development in recent months. This approach, it said, ensures that emerging talent gets the opportunity to grow alongside seasoned players. The Women’s National Selection Committee, headed by former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq and former international Batool Fatima, finalized the list of contracted players after assessing performances and potential.
The Gold contracts feature some of the more established and experienced names in domestic cricket. Among them are Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Ghulam Fatima, Iram Javed, and Kaynat Hafeez. They are joined by younger talents such as Dua Majid, Mahnoor Aftab, Tasmia Rubab, and Zunash Abdul Sattar, reflecting PCB’s intent to maintain a balance between experience and youth. Players from different regions, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Quetta, and Chitral, have been recognized in this category, giving the group a diverse representation.
The Silver contracts cover a broader pool of 45 players, which includes several U19 and emerging cricketers who are being prepared for higher levels of competition. Among the Silver group are Aleena Masood, Fatima Khan, Humna Bilal, Sana Urooj, Soha Fatima, and Syeda Masooma Zahra. Importantly, this category incorporates 23 U19 and emerging players such as Aleesa Mukhtiar, Fizza Fiaz, Haniah Ahmer, Maham Anees, Malaika Suhani, Manahil Rafiq, Samiya Afsar, Tayyba Imdad, and Zoofishan Ayyaz. Their inclusion underscores PCB’s long-term commitment to talent development at the grassroots level.
PCB clarified that the list is not closed, and players outside the current pool still have opportunities to earn contracts through strong performances in upcoming domestic events and regional academy camps. This merit-based pathway is designed to encourage healthy competition and motivate players to consistently perform. The board emphasized that this is the third consecutive season of awarding domestic contracts to women cricketers, reinforcing its consistency in supporting women’s cricket infrastructure.
This development follows the PCB’s recent announcement of central contracts for 20 women cricketers across five categories for the 2025-26 international season. Earlier this month, the board also unveiled central contracts for 30 male cricketers, notably without placing any in the top-tier Category A. The dual focus on both men’s and women’s contracts reflects PCB’s broader strategy of enhancing player welfare while ensuring that domestic and international structures remain robust.
By expanding the scope of domestic contracts and introducing distinct categories, the PCB aims to not only recognize performance but also provide financial stability and motivation for young women athletes aspiring to represent Pakistan at higher levels. It also sends a message of inclusivity by rewarding players from different regions across the country, creating pathways for those who may otherwise lack exposure.
The contracts are expected to have a positive impact in the upcoming season, with a packed domestic calendar that includes senior-level tournaments, U19 events, and regional academy programs. These initiatives are aimed at improving competitive standards and identifying players ready to step into the international arena. With the women’s game growing globally and opportunities increasing, Pakistan’s decision to invest consistently in its women cricketers is viewed as a vital move for long-term progress.
The PCB’s strategy, blending established performers with promising newcomers, is being seen as a constructive step toward building a sustainable talent pipeline. As women’s cricket in Pakistan continues to evolve, these contracts not only provide recognition and support but also create an environment where future stars can thrive.
