Sadia Iqbal Tops ICC T20I Rankings and Earns Category A Contract as PCB Announces Women’s Central Contracts 2025-26

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the Women’s Central Contracts for the 2025-26 season, awarding contracts to 20 players across five categories. Among the most notable developments is Sadia Iqbal’s promotion to Category ‘A’, fresh off her rise to the No.1 spot in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings.

The contracts, running from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, reflect a significant investment in women’s cricket, with a 50% increase in player retainers across all categories. These enhancements mark a progressive step toward recognizing and nurturing talent in the women’s game.

A Major Boost for Emerging Cricketers

In a move to further encourage young and developing talent, the PCB has introduced a new Category ‘E’ – designated as the Emerging category. This year’s recipients include:

• Eyman Fatima (uncapped)

• Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 7 T20Is)

Both players are part of the Pakistan women’s squad currently touring Ireland, where they are set to play a three-match T20I series from 6 to 10 August in Dublin. They were also part of Pakistan’s squad at the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup held in South Africa in January 2023.

Promotions and New Inclusions

• Sadia Iqbal joins Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin in Category A

• Diana Baig is promoted from Category C to B

• Rameen Shamim moves up from Category D to C

• Six players receive central contracts for the first time:

  • Aliya Riaz (Category B)

  • Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz, Waheeda Akhtar (Category D)

  • Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar (Category E)

The contracts were finalised by the women’s national selection committee in consultation with head coach Muhammad Wasim.

A Busy Calendar Ahead

Over the next 12 months, the Pakistan women’s team is set to participate in two major ICC events:

• ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (September–October in India)

• ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (June in England)

In addition, the team will engage in multiple bilateral series both at home and away, offering ample opportunities for the contracted players to shine on the global stage.

PCB Women’s Central Contracts 2025-26

Category A

• Fatima Sana

• Muneeba Ali

• Sadia Iqbal

• Sidra Amin

Category B

• Aliya Riaz (new)

• Diana Baig (promoted)

• Nashra Sandhu

Category C

• Rameen Shamim (promoted)

Category D

• Gull Feroza

• Najiha Alvi

• Natalia Parvaiz (new)

• Omaima Sohail

• Sadaf Shamas

• Sidra Nawaz (new)

• Syeda Aroob Shah

• Tuba Hassan

• Umm-e-Hani

• Waheeda Akhtar (new)

Category E (Emerging)

• Eyman Fatima (new, uncapped)

• Shawaal Zulfiqar (new)