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Veteran Pakistan women cricket all-rounder Nida Dar has stepped away from national duties. A legend of Pakistan women’s cricket, Nida has played 270 international matches, leaving a legacy matched by few. Her decision comes at a crucial juncture, as Pakistan prepares for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Nida Dar breaks silence on her temporary exit from international cricket
Nida’s announcement came after weeks of contemplation, driven by events that deeply affected her on and off the field. In an emotional post on social media, the 38-year-old requested privacy and announced a break to focus on her well-being due to the heavy toll recent events had taken on her mental health.
“I would like to inform that alot 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,” Nida wrote on X.
I would like to inform that alot 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. #respect 🙏— Nida Dar (@CoolNidadar) April 24, 2025
Nida was recently asked to join the training camp for the World Cup qualifiers in Lahore but declined, citing emotional exhaustion. While she did attend a fitness test, she later withdrew from further team activities, including the national T20 Cup. She was also not the part of Pakistan’s team for the recently concluded ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 qualifiers.
Dar hasn’t played since October 2024, when she featured against New Zealand in Dubai. Additionally, the leadership baton was passed to Fatima Sana before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, signaling a phase of transition. Nida’s absence from key tournaments further added to the growing speculation around her future. Her decision, while difficult, shines a necessary light on the mental challenges elite athletes face in silence.
Also READ: Explained: Why Pakistan won’t play in India despite qualifying for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
A glorious career for Pakistan: Records that speak for themselves
Nida Dar’s break comes after an illustrious career that has left a lasting impact on women’s cricket in Pakistan. In 112 ODIs, she has scored 1,690 runs and picked up 108 wickets, showcasing her value as a dependable all-rounder. Her T20I record is even more remarkable, 144 wickets in 160 matches at an economy of 5.70, making her the only Pakistani woman with over 100 T20I wickets. With the bat, she has also accumulated 2,091 T20I runs at a strike rate exceeding 100, including seven fifties.
Dar has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s middle order and a frontline spinner for over a decade. Her contribution stretches beyond stats she’s been a role model for young cricketers, a fierce competitor, and a calm leader. Whether guiding the team under pressure or lifting them with game-changing spells, Nida remained Pakistan’s go-to performer.
Also READ: Fatima Sana to lead as ICC reveals ‘Team of the tournament’ for Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
