Women’s cricket in Pakistan lacks resources in numerous aspects, but recently, a noteworthy advancement has taken place. First ever domestic contracts have been awarded to players. These contracts aim to encourage the cricketers and to appreciate their hard work.
Details about the first-ever domestic contracts
The first-ever domestic contract’s duration is 11 months. They have been awarded to a total of 74 women cricketers. 14 of them have already showcased their abilities as part of Pakistan’s senior women’s team, and the rest of the 59 players are categorized as emerging talents and U19 participants.
The perks of the first-ever domestic contracts include not only monthly retainers but also match fees, daily allowances, and a share in prize money. One thing to note is that players who have been granted domestic contracts would not be granted women’s central contracts 2023-24, which are yet to be announced.
What is the aim behind the new advancement?
This development intends to enhance the players’ morale as their efforts are being recognized and rewarded in the form of the first-ever domestic contracts. It also hopes to encourage more players to perform better and increase the competitiveness and, in return, the standard of women’s cricket.
Zaka Ashraf, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and also the management Committee Chairperson explained the reasons behind the new development.
“This initiative isn’t just about signing contracts, it’s about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve. We firmly believe that empowering these athletes will not only elevate the standard of our women’s cricket but also inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.”
Who was involved in the process?
The contracts were overseen by the national women’s selection committee, which is led by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar. He was provided further help and suggestions by the national and academy chances. They are awarded on the basis of performance in domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, the U19 domestic tournament, and the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup.
The head of Women’s Cricket in Pakistan also seemed delighted about the contracts.
“We are thrilled to announce the awarding of domestic contracts to 74 of our finest women cricketers. This historic moment not only recognises their extraordinary skills but also aims to instill confidence and determination among our women athletes. As we approach a busy women’s cricket season, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure their success.”
Furthermore, the Pakistan women’s cricket team can now train in eight cricket academics across the country as facilities were brought back into operation by PCB However, one of the cricket academies is not operational at the moment. The operational academies include National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan, Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Bugti Stadium in Quetta and Women’s Sports Stadium in Bahawalpur.
List of first-ever domestic contracted players
Following is the list of players who have been offered domestic contracts.
Aima Saleem (Rawalpindi), Aimen Anwar (Karachi), Aisha Javed (Lahore), Aleena Shah (Peshawar), Aliza Khan (Karachi), Amber Kainat (Lahore), Anam Amin (Lahore), Areesha Noor Bhatti (Lahore), Arijah Haseeb (Karachi), Asma Amin (Faisalabad), Asma Shareef (Arifwala), Ayesha Asim (Quetta), Ayesha Bilal (Lahore), Ayesha Zafar (Lahore), Dina Razvi (Karachi), Dua Majid (Lahore), Fajr Naveed (Rawalpindi), Fareeha Mehmood (Lahore), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fatima Shahid (Lahore), Fatima Zehra (Rawalpindi), Gul-e-Uswa (Multan), Gull Feroza (Multan), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Haleema Azeem Dar (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Humna Bilal (Rawalpindi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Iram Javed (Lahore), Jannat Rasheed (Quetta), Javeria Khan (Karachi), Jaweria Rauf (Karachi), Kainat Imtiaz (Karachi), Kaynat Hafeez (Lahore), Khadija Chishti (Lahore), Kinza Wahab (Karachi), Laiba Mansoor (Rawalpindi), Laiba Nasir (Lahore), Lubna Behram (Hunza), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Maham Manzoor (Hyderabad), Maham Tariq (Karachi), Mahnoor Aftab (Peshawar), Masooma Zehra (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad), Natalia Parvaiz (Bhimber), Neha Sharmeen Sheikh (Karachi), Noor-Ul-Eman (Bahawalpur), Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore), Quratulain Ahsen (Lahore), Rameen Shamim (Karachi), Rida Aslam (Lahore), Saba Nazir (Muridke), Saima Malik (Quetta), Saiqa Riaz (Lahore), Saira Jabeen (Chitral), Sana Talib (Rahim Yar Khan), Sania Rasheed (Rawalpindi), Shabnam Hayat (Karachi), Soha Fatima (Lahore), Subhana Tariq (Karachi), Syeda Taskyn Fatima (Karachi), Tasmia Rubab (Lahore), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad), Tahzeeb Shah (Swabi), Waheeda Akhter (Lahore), Wajeeha Muneer (Multan), Warda Yousaf (Okara), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi), Yusra Amir (Karachi), Zaib-un-Nisa (Charsadda), Zamina Tahir (Lahore), Zunaira Shah (Karachi) and Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore)
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