PCB makes history with domestic contracts for women cricketers

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a landmark initiative by awarding 74 women cricketers an 11-month domestic contract.

According to media reports, among the 74 players, 59 were categorised as emerging and U-19 categories, while 14 having already represented Pakistan’s women’s team at the senior level.

The reports said that the domestic contracts have been extended to individuals who have delivered extraordinary performances across diverse cricketing arenas including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U-19 domestic events, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 Women’s World Cup.

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Meanwhile, the PCB official said that “crucial step” was set to boost the confidence of women cricketers, coinciding with the upcoming commencement of a women’s cricket season from September 1.

The PCB official further said that the selection of players for the upcoming women’s cricket season has been supervised by the national women’s selection committee under the leadership of former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, with input from national and academy coaches.

“The primary goal of the initiative is not solely to recognise the players’ diligence and commitment but also to elevate the caliber of women’s cricket within the nation,” the PCB official added.

Speaking to the media, the head of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf said: “I extend my heartiest congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have secured these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication. Today marks a significant and jubilant milestone for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic stride towards the betterment of women’s cricket in our country.”

Meanwhile, the head of of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick said: “We are delighted to announce the allocation of domestic contracts to 74 of our most accomplished women cricketers. This momentous occasion not only acknowledges their exceptional abilities but also aims to nurture self-assurance and resoluteness among our women athletes. As we approach a packed women’s cricket season, we are resolute in our commitment to offer the requisite support and resources for their triumph.”

In addition to the domestic contracts, the PCB has also recommenced provisions for women cricketers to train in eight cricket academies across the nation, with seven currently operational.

The reports said that the operational academies included the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, the Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan, Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Bugti Stadium in Quetta, and the Women’s Sports Stadium in Bahawalpur.

However, it is pertinent to note that the players who have secured domestic contracts will not be included in the women’s central contracts for 2023-24, the announcement of which will be made in due course.

Apart from receiving monthly retainers, players included in the domestic contracts will also be entitled to match fees, daily allowances, and a portion of prise money.