Nida Dar Announces Indefinite Leave from Cricket to Focus on Mental Health
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Synopsis
Renowned all-rounder Nida Dar has declared an indefinite hiatus from cricket to focus on her mental well-being. She cited personal and professional challenges affecting her mental health in a social media post. Dar, a prominent figure in Pakistan women's cricket, last played in October 2023 and has not officially retired.
Key Takeaways
- Nida Dar takes a break for her mental health.
- She last played for Pakistan in October 2023.
- Dar has not announced her retirement yet.
- She is Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in women's T20Is.
- Her performance has declined over the last few years.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) Renowned all-rounder Nida Dar, considered one of the finest women's cricketers from Pakistan, has declared an indefinite hiatus from cricket to prioritize her mental health. The 38-year-old made her announcement via a post on the social media platform X, mentioning that personal and professional hurdles have significantly impacted her well-being.
“I want to share that numerous events in my life, both personal and professional, have influenced my mental health,” Dar stated. “Therefore, I am taking some time off to concentrate on myself.”
Dar last represented Pakistan in October 2023 and was absent from the squad that participated in the recent Women’s World Cup Qualifier, where Pakistan qualified for the 2025 ODI World Cup by winning all five matches.
It has been noted that concerns regarding Dar’s fitness, especially in the 50-over format, played a role in her exclusion. She reportedly did not pass a fitness assessment earlier this year, which further reduced her chances of selection.
Previously known for her remarkable power-hitting and game-changing bowling spells, Dar’s performance has declined in recent years. In her last 24 T20I innings, she has not exceeded 30 runs, averaging below 17 with a strike rate under 100. Her bowling effectiveness has also diminished, with a notable decline in her averages and economy rates across both formats since 2023.
While her future in international cricket seems uncertain, Dar has yet to formally announce her retirement.
Regardless of the present uncertainties, Nida Dar’s legacy as one of Pakistan's premier all-rounders is firmly established. Since her debut in 2010, she has played a pivotal role in the advancement of women’s cricket in Pakistan.
She captained the team in 24 WT20Is and 13 WODIs, and she remains Pakistan’s top wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 144 wickets, only behind Australia’s Megan Schutt (151) globally. In ODIs, she ranks as Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker with 108 wickets, just trailing former captain Sana Mir.
With the bat, Dar has accumulated 2091 runs in T20Is—second only to Bismah Maroof in Pakistan—and 1690 in ODIs, ranking her fourth on the national list.
