Key points
- Sadia Iqbal awarded Category “A” central contract by PCB for 2025–26
- Currently ranked No 1 in ICC T20I bowling rankings
- Made international debut in Oct 2019; played in 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup
- Starred in Pakistan’s first-ever ODI win vs New Zealand in December 2023
- Took 9 wickets in 2025 World Cup Qualifiers; named in Team of the Tournament
ISLAMABAD: In a significant milestone for women’s cricket in Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal, a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, has not only secured the top ranking among bowlers worldwide but has also earned a prestigious Category “A” central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
This achievement comes as part of the PCB’s recently unveiled Women’s Central Contracts for the 2025-26 season, highlighting Iqbal’s exceptional talent and commitment to the sport.
Currently sitting at the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings, Iqbal has solidified her place as a pivotal figure in the landscape of women’s cricket.
Born on August 5, 1995, in Sialkot, Pakistan, Iqbal embarked on her international career in October 2019 when she made her debut in the Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) against Bangladesh. Just a week later, she showcased her prowess again, stepping onto the field for her Women’s One Day International (WODI) debut.
Meteoric rise
Her meteoric rise continued as she was selected for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad, a significant milestone that set the stage for her burgeoning career. Over the following years, Iqbal became a seasoned player, being named in squads for major tournaments including the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and most recently, the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Iqbal’s skill and tenacity were on full display during the 3rd ODI against New Zealand in December 2023, where she bowled a nail-biting Super Over, leading Pakistan to a historic victory—the first for the women’s team against New Zealand on their home turf.
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This performance, among others, propelled Iqbal to new heights as she reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowler Rankings, overtaking elite competitors like Sophie Ecclestone.
Stellar year
In a stellar year of 2025, Sadia Iqbal’s performance during the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore was nothing short of extraordinary. With nine wickets at an average of 16, she played a crucial role in ensuring Pakistan’s qualification for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup. Her consistent excellence garnered her a spot in the tournament’s official Team of the Tournament, further emphasizing her reputation as a formidable force in the sport.
A shining testament
With a tally of 60 wickets in just 48 T20Is and 35 wickets in 27 ODIs, Sadia Iqbal stands as a shining testament to the dedication and resilience that epitomize Pakistan cricket. She transcends the role of mere player, emerging as a guiding light for aspiring cricketers throughout the nation, igniting their dreams with her unwavering spirit and determination. In the realm of cricket, she is not just a statistic but a symbol of hope and inspiration for countless young athletes dreaming of glory on the pitch.
With her sights set on continued success in the international arena, Iqbal not only represents the heights that can be achieved through hard work and perseverance but also the promise of an exciting future for women’s cricket in Pakistan.
