Nida Dar announces return to professional cricket

Former Pakistan captain Nida Dar has announced her return to professional cricket, more than a year since taking an indefinite break from the sport.

Dar (39), a veteran of 112 ODIs and 160 T20Is, announced in April 2025 that she would take a break from the sport to focus on her well-being, citing mental health reasons.

"After taking time to focus on myself and regain my strength, I am happy to share that I am back and available for Pakistan Cricket Team once again," Dar posted on X.

"Ready to give my best, work hard and contribute whenever the team needs me. Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey," she added.

Dar last featured for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE, following which she was excluded from the PCB's central contract list. She was appointed Pakistan's captain after the 2023 T20 World Cup following Bismah Maroof's resignation, before she was replaced by Fatima Sana, the current captain, prior to the 2024 edition.

Dar remains Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in women's T20Is with 144 wickets. She is also Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in women's ODIs with 108 scalps, behind Sana Mir and Nashra Sandhu.