Pakistan Cricket Board announces domestic contracts for female cricketers

Pakistan Women Cricket Team. (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its first-ever domestic contract for female cricketers. A total of 74 women cricketers acquired the contract for 11 months and out of this, 59 players belong to the Emerging and Under-19 category. The players who have acquired domestic contracts will not be a part of the women’s central contracts 2023-24.

Fourteen players in the contract list have already represented the national team, including the likes of former skipper Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Anam Amin, and Aiman Anwar, apart from other international players Iram Javed, Fareeha Mehmood, Ayesha Zafar, and Saba Nazir, to name a few. Meanwhile, offspinner Noreen Yaqoob is the only non-international senior cricketer to be a part of the contract list.

The national women’s selection committee led by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar selected the players for the domestic contract. The players who earned domestic contracts will receive a match fee, daily allowance, and a share in prize money, along with monthly retainers.

The PCB has also renewed facilities for female cricketers to train in eight cricket academies in Pakistan. Out of which seven academies are operational. The National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, and Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan are some of the key training facilities available in the country.

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf congratulated Women cricketers for domestic contracts

Meanwhile, the PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf, reflected on the latest developments and progress made by Pakistan in women’s cricket. Hence, reflecting on the landmark move made by the PCB, Ashraf deemed this step as one of the most significant moments in Pakistan’s cricket history. Moreover, he also added that this step was not merely about contract signings. It is more about believing in the dreams of young women who toil hard constantly on the field in a bid to bring laurel to Pakistan.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have earned these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication. Today marks a significant and joyous occasion for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic step towards uplifting women’s cricket in our nation.

“This initiative isn’t just about signing contracts, it’s about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve.

“It is our firm belief that empowering these athletes will not only elevate the standard of our women’s cricket but also inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport,” Ashraf concluded.