Former Pakistan captain Nida Dar has announced her return to professional cricket. Her decision comes more than a year after stepping away from the game to prioritise her mental well-being.
The 39-year-old all-rounder, one of Pakistan’s most experienced players, had taken an indefinite break in April 2025, citing the need to focus on her mental health. Her decision had sparked conversations around athlete well-being, with Dar choosing to step back at a time when she was still a key figure in the national setup.
Now, after over a year away, Dar confirmed her comeback through a heartfelt message on the social media platform X.
“After taking time to focus on myself and regain my strength, I am happy to share that I am back and available for the Pakistan
Cricket Team once again,” she wrote. “Ready to give my best, work hard and contribute whenever the team needs me. Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey.”
Dar last represented Pakistan during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE. Soon after, she was left out of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s central contracts list, further fuelling uncertainty around her future in the sport.
A veteran of 112 ODIs and 160 T20Is, Dar remains one of Pakistan’s most decorated players. She was appointed captain following Bismah Maroof’s resignation after the 2023 T20 World Cup, but was later replaced by Fatima Sana ahead of the 2024 edition.
Despite the leadership changes, Dar’s impact with the ball remains unmatched. She continues to be Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 144 scalps and is among the top performers in ODIs as well, trailing only Sana Mir and Nashra Sandhu.
Her return could provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s squad, bringing both experience and balance as the team looks ahead to upcoming international assignments.
