Mohsin Naqvi for Pakistan Cricket Board. Image Credits: AFP
Pakistan women’s cricketer Nida Dar, who had taken a break from cricket last year, has announced her comeback and made herself available for selection in the Women in Green team. The right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner had made her Pakistan women’s debut in 2010.
One of the greatest Pakistani players, Nida Dar, was under scrutiny before she had taken her indefinite break. She had announced the break in April 2025 and had not played for Pakistan women since October 2024.
Nida Dar’s indefinite break from cricket
Nida Dar had been under pressure, and reports had stated that the then Pakistan women’s team management didn’t consider Dar, who is 39 years old, in their plans. She has averaged less than 17, and her strike rate has fallen slightly below 100 in her last 24 T20I innings, failing to reach 30 once. Since 2023, her economy rate and bowling average have also increased in both formats.
Even though it was unknown when she would play again, the decision—which was reportedly made public without first notifying the PCB—was not formally a retirement.
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Nida Dar is the most capped Pakistani women's player in T20Is and the first to take 100 wickets in both women’s ODIs and T20Is in her illustrious career, apart from making runs as well. She has fulfilled her all-rounder abilities as well.
Nida Dar’s brilliant record for the Pakistan women’s team
Nida Dar had made her Pakistan women’s ODI debut in 2010 against the Netherlands and has taken 108 wickets at an economy of 4.17 in 112 games. Her best bowling performance is 4/10. With the bat, Dar has scored 1690 runs in the lower order, with a strike rate of 63.36 and an average of 18.98 with 11 fifties and a best score of 87.
In 160 T20Is, Dar has taken 144 wickets at an economy of 5.70 and best bowling figures of 5/21, having made her debut in the format in 2010 against Sri Lanka Women. She has also scored 2091 runs at an economy of 101.35 with 7 fifties and a best score of 75.
Nida Dar announces comeback from break; ready to play for Pakistan again
As the Pakistan women’s team is struggling in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Nida Dar has announced her return to professional cricket more than a year since taking an indefinite break from the sport.
"After taking time to focus on myself and regain my strength, I am happy to share that I am back and available for the Pakistan cricket team once again. Ready to give my best, work hard, and contribute whenever the team needs me. Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey," Dar posted on X.
Dar has signaled her readiness to return to international cricket duties for Pakistan.
Dar was removed off the PCB's central contract list after making her final appearance for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
After Bismah Maroof resigned after the 2023 T20 World Cup, she was named Pakistan's captain. Fatima Sana, the current captain, took her position before the 2024 tournament.
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