Nida Dar announces Break from Cricket

Pakistan women’s cricketer Nida Dar has announced a temporary break from all forms of cricket.

She cited the need to focus on her mental health as the reason for stepping back.

The 38-year-old all-rounder shared the news through social media on April 24, 2025.

She asked fans and the public for privacy during what she described as a difficult personal and professional period.

Dar wrote: “A lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally and this has affected my mental health.

“For this reason, I am taking a break for a while from cricket to focus on myself. Please respect the privacy. Thank you.”

One of the most experienced players in the national side, Dar has played 130 T20 Internationals and 99 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan.

She is widely admired for her leadership qualities and consistent performance over a long and respected career.

Her absence will be felt not only by teammates but by a fanbase that has watched her shape the game for over a decade.

Nida Dar had recently returned to training prior to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

However, she was not selected in the final 15-member squad after falling short of fitness requirements.

She also pulled out of the upcoming National T20 Cup.

Now, she has opted for a full retreat from competitive cricket to focus on her well-being.

The announcement comes at a time when the Pakistan women’s team is enjoying a successful run.

The team secured qualification for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after a flawless run of five consecutive victories.

In their final match, Pakistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets at Lahore’s LCCA Ground, capping off a confident campaign.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while visiting the LCCA Ground, acknowledged the team’s impressive performance.

He also addressed questions about Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming tournament.

Naqvi reaffirmed that the national women’s team will not travel to India, consistent with the hybrid model agreed upon earlier in the men’s ICC tournament.

Nida Dar’s decision has sparked conversations about the importance of mental health in sports.

While she has stepped back for now, fans hope for her potential return to women’s cricket in Pakistan.