Pakistan’s women’s cricket team has bolstered their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa by including the talented right-handed batter, Shawaal Zulfiqar. Shawaal will be the 16th member of the squad, adding depth to the team’s lineup.

• Shawaal Zulfiqar, just 18 years old, recently made her T20I debut in the first T20I match against South Africa on 1 September at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
• She has represented Pakistan U19 in the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup held in South Africa earlier this year.
• Shawaal has also been a part of the Pakistan emerging women’s team in the ACC Emerging Women’s Asia Cup.

The three-match ODI series, which is also a part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, is scheduled to be played on the following dates: 

• 8 September
• 11 September
• 14 September

All matches will take place at the National Bank Stadium.

Three young luminaries, Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, have transitioned from their success in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year to clinch their inaugural central contracts within the senior team. Adding to this roster, wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi becomes the fourth uncapped player to secure a berth among the contracted players.

The contracting remains consistent with the previous year, encompassing a total of 20 players divided across four categories: A, B, C, and an emerging category, D.

A notable elevation is observed in Sidra Amin’s status, ascending from category C to the prestigious A category. Joining her are esteemed players Bismah Maroof and captain Nida Dar, who also command positions within the top category.

Further advancements include the promotions of Ghulam Fatima and Sadia Iqbal, transitioning from category D to the enhanced C category. Meanwhile, Muneeba Ali, who previously resided in Category C, has climbed to Category B.

As per the Pakistan Cricket Board’s recent announcement, these contracts have been offered for a 23-month term, during which player performances will undergo evaluation after one year.

Notably absent from this year’s central contract list are Anam Amin, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, and Kainat Imtiaz. However, these five players have secured Pakistan Women’s inaugural 11-month domestic contracts. Additionally, Ayesha Naseem, who retired from international cricket last month, marks the sixth player left out.

Compensation for players participating in ODIs will see a 100% increment in match fees (both playing and non-playing), while participants in T20Is will experience a 50% hike in match fees (both playing and non-playing).

Tania Mallick, the Head of Women’s Cricket at PCB, underscores the importance of the extended contract validity until June 30, 2025.

“The prolonged contract duration aligns with our anticipation of an action-packed international cricket calendar,” Mallick states. “Our aim is to equip our women cricketers both physically and mentally to confront challenges and embrace victories.”

“The significant enhancement in monetary aspects of our women’s central contracts signifies our commitment to cultivating an environment where players can dedicate themselves to their game. This acknowledges the burgeoning global stature and influence of women’s cricket.”

Saleem Jaffar, the Chair of the Women’s Selection Committee, accentuates the strategic emphasis on awarding a 23-month-long contract in light of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 cycle.

“The selection committee is delighted to unveil the contracted players, considering the extensive cricketing calendar ahead,” Jaffar asserts. “Our goal is to empower emerging talent, and these contracts bolster confidence as players prepare for the forthcoming cricket season.”

“Our focus while awarding contracts for the next 23 months has been on acknowledging consistent performance and dedication displayed by players throughout the ICC Women’s Championship cycle initiated in 2022. The matches against Sri Lanka marked the inception of this assessment, and we have meticulously evaluated each player’s contribution during this cycle.”