LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced domestic contracts for 65 women cricketers, including 23 U-19 and emerging players, for the 2025-26 season.

For the first time, the contracts have been divided into two categories — Gold and Silver — with 20 players placed in the former and 45 in the latter.

The contracts will run from July 2025 to June 2026, during which a number of domestic and age-group tournaments are scheduled.

According to the PCB, the monthly retainers have been awarded not only to top performers from recent domestic events but also to players identified for their potential.

The names were finalised by the women’s national selection committee comprising former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq and ex-international Batool Fatima.

The board added that players outside the current pool may also be considered for contracts if they perform in upcoming domestic competitions and regional academy camps. This is the third consecutive year the PCB has offered domestic contracts in women’s cricket, part of efforts to expand the player base at both pathway and senior levels.

Gold contracts: Anam Amin, Anosha Nasir, Ayesha Zafar, Dua Majid, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Rukh, Hafsa Khalid, Huraina Sajjad, Iram Javed, Kaynat Hafeez, Mahnoor Aftab, Neelam Mushtaq, Noreen Yaqoob, Saima Malik, Saira Jabeen, Tania Saeed, Tasmia Rubab, Yusra Amir, Zaib-un-Nisa, Zunash Abdul Sattar.

Silver contracts: Aleena Masood, Amber Kainat, Areesha Noor, Ayesha Bilal, Fatima Khan, Fatima Shahid, Fatima Zahra, Humna Bilal, Khadija Chishti, Laiba Mansoor, Maham Manzoor, Momina Riasat, Muqadas Bukhari, Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Noor-ul-Iman, Rabia Rani, Rida Aslam, Saiqa Riaz, Sana Urooj, Shabnam Hayat, Soha Fatima, Syeda Masooma Zahra.

U-19 and emerging players (Silver category): Aleesa Mukhtiar, Aqsa Bibi, Areesha Ansari, Barira Saif, Fizza Fiaz, Haniah Ahmer, Komal Khan, Laiba Nasir, Maham Anees, Mahnoor Zeb, Malaika Suhani, Manahil Rafiq, Meerab Sheikh, Memoona Khalid, Minahil Javaid, Quratulain, Ravail Farhan, Samiya Afsar, Shahar Bano, Syeda Batool Fatima, Tayyba Imdad, Wasifa Hussain, Zoofishan Ayyaz.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2025