Has Sadia Iqbal Advanced to Category ‘A’ in Pakistan Women’s Central Contracts List?
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Synopsis
Exciting news for cricket fans! Sadia Iqbal, the top-ranking T20I bowler, has been promoted to Category ‘A’ in the Pakistan women’s central contracts list. This move highlights the PCB's commitment to supporting women's cricket as they prepare for major ICC events.
Key Takeaways
- Sadia Iqbal has been promoted to Category 'A'.
- The PCB has increased player retainers by 50%.
- New 'E' category introduced for emerging players.
- Pakistan women’s team preparing for major ICC events.
- Contract upgrades reflect the growth of women’s cricket.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) Top-ranked women’s T20I bowler Sadia Iqbal has received a significant upgrade to Category ‘A’ in the Pakistan women’s central contracts list for the 2025/26 season. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also announced that Diana Baig has been elevated from Category C to B, and Rameen Shamim has moved up from Category D to C.
Sadia now joins fellow players Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin in Category A. Other players in Category B include Aliya Riaz and Natalia Parvaiz, while Category D features Sidra Nawaz, Waheeda Akhtar, among others. A total of 20 players have been awarded contracts distributed across five categories, with 10 players in Category D.
To foster young talent, the PCB has introduced an ‘E’ category, known as the Emerging category, which includes uncapped players Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who has played three ODIs and seven T20Is.
“Both players are part of the Ireland-bound Pakistan women's squad, scheduled to compete in three T20Is from August 6 to 10 in Dublin. Additionally, both were integral to the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup held in South Africa in January 2023,” noted the PCB.
The contracts, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, reflect a substantial 50 percent increase in player retainers across all categories. The PCB confirmed that these contracts were established by the women’s selection committee in collaboration with head coach Muhammad Wasim.
Pakistan is set to participate in two major ICC events: the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (September-October 2025) and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (June 2026), while also engaging in various bilateral series both at home and abroad.
Category A: Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin
Category B: Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu
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, and Waheeda Akhtar
Category E: Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar
Point of View
Our commitment remains steadfast in covering the progress of women in sports. The promotion of players like Sadia Iqbal reflects the growing recognition and support for women's cricket in Pakistan. With increased contracts and competitive opportunities, we are optimistic about the future of our women's cricket team.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Sadia Iqbal's promotion?
Sadia Iqbal's promotion to Category 'A' signifies her exceptional performance as a top-ranked T20I bowler, reflecting the PCB's commitment to rewarding talent and enhancing the women's cricket framework.
Who else received contract upgrades in the recent announcement?
In addition to Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig was promoted from Category C to B, and Rameen Shamim moved from Category D to C.
What are the new contract categories introduced by PCB?
The PCB has introduced a new 'E' category, named the Emerging category, to encourage young players, featuring uncapped players Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
What do the new contracts entail?
The new contracts, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, include a 50 percent increase in player retainers across all categories.
What major events are scheduled for the Pakistan women's cricket team?
The Pakistan women's cricket team is set to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in September-October 2025 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026.
