Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its Women’s Central Contracts for the 2025-26 season, marking a notable shift with substantial upgrades and the introduction of an ‘Emerging’ category aimed at fostering young talent. The contracts, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, entail a 50 percent increase in player retainers across all categories.

Sadia Iqbal, currently ranked as the top T20I bowler, leads the group of 20 contracted players with her promotion to Category A. This reflects her rising stature in international cricket. Joining her in Category A are Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin.

Several players received notable promotions, with Diana Baig advancing to Category B from C, and Rameen Shamim moving up to Category C from D. New contract recipients include Aliya Riaz in Category B, and Sidra Nawaz, Natalia Parvaiz, and Waheeda Akhtar in Category D.

The PCB has also introduced a new ‘Emerging’ Category E, focusing on young talent. Uncapped batter Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who has already represented Pakistan in several ODIs and T20Is, are the first players to receive contracts under this new tier. Both players are part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland in Dublin.

The PCB women’s selection committee, in collaboration with head coach Muhammad Wasim, finalized the contracts based on recent performances and future potential. This comes as Pakistan prepares for important ICC events, having qualified for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after a successful campaign in the Qualifier at home, and next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.