Pakistan’s top-ranked T20I bowler Sadia Iqbal has been awarded a Category ‘A’ central contract in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) 2025–26 women’s central contracts list, announced on 6 August 2025 in Lahore. The updated list features 20 contracted players and introduces a new Category ‘E’ – Emerging category – to nurture young talent.
The 2025–26 contracts run from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 and include a significant 50% increase in retainers across all categories. Finalised by the PCB women’s selection committee in consultation with head coach Muhammad Wasim, the contract structure reflects a renewed investment in women’s cricket ahead of a busy international calendar.
Pakistan Women’s Central Contract Categories – 2025–26
📌 Category A
Fatima Sana
Muneeba Ali
Sadia Iqbal
Sidra Amin
📌 Category B
Aliya Riaz (new inclusion)
Diana Baig (promoted from C)
Nashra Sundhu
📌 Category C
Rameen Shamim (promoted from D)
📌 Category D
Gull Feroza
Najiha Alvi
Natalia Parvaiz (new inclusion)
Omaima Sohail
Sadaf Shamas
Sidra Nawaz (new inclusion)
Syeda Aroob Shah
Tuba Hassan
Umm-e-Hani
Waheeda Akhtar (new inclusion)
📌 Category E (Emerging Category – new)
Eyman Fatima (uncapped)
Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 7 T20Is)
New Emerging Category highlights investment in youth
The newly launched Category ‘E’ is designed to support emerging female cricketers with high potential. Eyman Fatima</strong and Shawaal Zulfiqar, both members of the Pakistan squad touring Ireland for a three-match T20I series (6–10 August), have been awarded contracts under this category. Both players also featured in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in 2023.
Busy year ahead for Pakistan women’s team
The 12-month contract period will see Pakistan Women competing in two major ICC tournaments: the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (September–October 2025) and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (June 2026). Bilateral home and away series are also planned throughout the season.
Sadia Iqbal’s promotion to Category A recognizes her continued dominance in T20I bowling, having reached the top spot in the ICC T20I bowling rankings. Additional promotions include Diana Baig (C to B) and Rameen Shamim (D to C), reflecting their strong recent performances.
This revamped central contract list signals PCB’s strategic focus on performance, depth, and future growth for women’s cricket in Pakistan.
