PCB announces 50% hike in monthly retainers for women cricketers

PCB announces 50% hike in monthly retainers for women cricketers (Source: X)

Pakistan Women cricketers are set to receive a 50% increase in their monthly retainers as part of the fresh central contracts released by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The updated contracts were signed by head coach Mohammad Wasim and the women’s selection panel.

The contracts will run from July 1, 2025 until June 30, 2026. The rise in pay is set to take place across each of the five categories (Category A to E). The contracts have been announced by the PCB ahead of a packed cricketing calendar for the women’s team which involves two ICC events in addition to bilateral series.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, Sadia Iqbal has been promoted to Category A to join the likes of Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin. As for the cricketers drafted in Category B, Aliya Riaz returned after missing out on the central contracts last time. Diana Baig and Nashra Sundhu were promoted from Category C to Category B.

Rameen Shamim was the only player to be included in Category C. The fresh inclusions in Category D amongst the ten cricketers in it comprise Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz, and Waheeda Akhtar. Category E is the newest incorporation by the PCB. The two players listed under this new classification are Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.

While 20-year-old Eyman is yet to make her debut for the senior team, Shawaal Zulfiqar has represented the country in three ODIs and seven T20Is.

List of central contracts by PCB:

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

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