PCB’s New Domestic Contracts Shine a Spotlight on Women’s Cricket
Exciting news for women’s cricket enthusiasts! The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a meaningful step towards empowering female cricketers with the announcement of domestic contracts for 65 talented players. This includes 23 emerging and Under-19 players, marking a significant leap for women’s cricket in the country.
For the 2025-26 season, the contracts are categorized into Gold and Silver, with 20 players assigned to the Gold category and 45 to Silver. This new structure aims to recognize and reward the hard work and skill of players, while also nurturing emerging talent. Running from July 2025 to June 2026, these contracts will encompass numerous domestic and U19 tournaments, providing players with the exposure and competitive experience they need.
The selection wasn’t arbitrary. A dedicated Women’s National Selection Committee, featuring former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq and ex-Pakistan women’s international Batool Fatima, carefully curated the list of 65 players. They looked not only at standout performances but also at promising potential, ensuring that every selected player has a path for growth and development.
What’s particularly heartening is that the PCB has made it clear that this is just the beginning. Players outside this initial pool have opportunities to earn contracts by showcasing their talents in upcoming domestic competitions and regional academy camps. This inclusive approach encourages a larger pool of aspiring cricketers to strive for excellence.
This marks the third straight season that the PCB has issued women’s domestic contracts, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the player pipeline both at the grassroots and domestic levels. Women’s cricket has witnessed a resurgence, and the PCB’s actions reflect an increasing recognition of the sport’s value in Pakistan’s rich cricketing landscape.
Who Made the Cut?
Here’s a glimpse of the players awarded contracts:
-
Gold Contracts (20)
- Anam Amin (Lahore)
- Anosha Nasir (Karachi)
- Ayesha Zafar (Lahore)
- Dua Majid (Lahore)
- Ghulam Fatima (Lahore)
- (and more…)
- Silver Contracts (45)
- Aleena Masood (Khanewal)
- Amber Kainat (Lahore)
- Areeha Noor (Lahore)
- Fatima Zahra (Rawalpindi)
- (and more…)
As you can see, the list is packed with talent from across the nation. Each player brings something unique to the table, promising an electrifying season ahead.
In conclusion, this move by the PCB not only amplifies opportunities for female cricketers but also strengthens the foundation for future talents in the sport. If you’re as excited as we are, be sure to keep an eye on these players as they showcase their skills on the field! And if you want to dive deeper into the world of cricket or explore other engaging topics, check out Pro21st for more insights and connections.