PCB Shockingly Drop Senior Players Off Central Contracts Amidst Champions Trophy Controversy

Senior players, including former captain Nida Dar, were excluded from new list of central contracts as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) awarded deals to only 16 women cricketers on Saturday.

Veterans Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Sidra Nawaz were dropped alongside or players such as Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar.

Nida, senior-most player in squ, and Aliya, a consistent performer for over five years, were notable omissions.

Last year PCB h awarded contracts to 20 players for 12-months.

An official PCB source attributed move to team’s recent poor performances, emphasizing a shift towards nurturing young talent in line with ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme 2025-29.

Prominent players Muneeba Ali and skipper Fatima Sana were elevated to Category A, while spin all-rounder Sia Iqbal also received a promotion.

PCB COO Sumair Ahm Syed reiterated board’s focus on grooming new players.

“We are committed to recognizing consistent performances and rewarding talent,” he said.

Youngster Tasmia Rubab earned her first contract, while Rameen Shamim and Gull Feroza returned to central contract list for first time since 2018 and 2022-23, respectively.

List of centrally contracted players: Category A: Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin Category B: Nashra Sundhu, Sia Iqbal Category C: Diana Baig, Omaima Sohail Category D: Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Saf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani.