Islamabad, 25 April 2025: Nida Dar has announced a temporary break from cricket, citing mental health concerns arising from a difficult phase in her personal and professional life.
The 38-year-old, who has been a key figure in Pakistan’s women’s cricket for over a decade, shared her decision through a social media post on Thursday night.
She requested privacy during this period, noting that recent experiences had taken a toll on her mental health and that she needed time away from the game to focus on herself.
Dar, who has featured in 130 T20I and 99 ODIs, is widely regarded for her resilience, leadership, and contributions to the team’s development.
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She had been training recently for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier set to be held in Faisalabad.
However, she was not included in the final squad after reportedly failing to meet fitness standards.
Following her omission from the international lineup, Dar also opted out of the upcoming National T20 Cup, signalling a complete pause from competitive cricket for the time being.
Her announcement comes just as the Pakistan women’s team secured a successful qualifying campaign for the World Cup, winning five consecutive matches.
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One of their standout performances was a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on April 19.
Commenting on the tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the team’s efforts.
He also reaffirmed that the women’s side would not travel to India for the World Cup, following the hybrid model previously adopted for the men’s fixtures.
Dar’s absence marks a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, with fans and teammates hoping for her healthy and eventual return to the field.
