Pakistan Women’s Cricketers Receive 50% Pay Rise in New Central Contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major financial boost for the country's women cricketers, with a 50% increase in monthly retainers across all contract categories. The new central contracts, effective retroactively from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, aim to reward performance and invest in emerging talent as the team prepares for a crucial season featuring two ICC global tournaments.

Sadia Iqbal Promoted to Category A

The most notable change sees Sadia Iqbal, currently the top-ranked bowler in ICC Women’s T20I rankings, promoted to Category A. She joins Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin in the top tier of contracts.

Sadia has been a standout performer, and her elevation to the premier contract bracket underlines her growing stature in international cricket.

Promotions and Returns

Among other promotions, fast bowler Diana Baig moves up from Category C to B, while offspinner Rameen Shamim is promoted from Category D to C—the only player to occupy that tier this year.

Allrounder Aliya Riaz, who was left out of last year’s contracts, makes a return in Category B, marking a successful comeback. Notably absent again is Nida Dar, the veteran allrounder who took an indefinite break from cricket in April following strained ties with the PCB and a dip in form.

New Emerging Category Introduced

A significant development is the introduction of Category E, a new tier designed to nurture emerging talent. Young batters Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar are the first to be awarded contracts in this "Emerging" category. Both featured in the inaugural ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup in 2023 and are currently part of the squad playing a T20I series in Ireland.

Fresh Faces in Category D

Category D sees ten players included, with Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz, and Waheeda Akhtar making fresh entries. This category serves as a platform for consistent performers and those pushing for higher honors.

A Busy Year Ahead

The contract announcement comes as Pakistan gears up for a packed international calendar. The women’s team will compete in two major ICC events — the ODI World Cup in September-October 2025, and the T20 World Cup in June-July 2026 — along with several bilateral series at home and abroad.

PCB 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

This revised structure not only rewards experience and performance but also paves the way for young talent to transition into the national fold, reinforcing PCB's long-term vision for women’s cricket in Pakistan.