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Pakistan suffered a huge setback when on Monday, a fire broke out in a hotel where the women's team was staying, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had to cancel the National Women's Championship 2024 tournament. According to reports, five players made a close call after a fire broke out in the hotel, causing fear among the players, The PCB attempted to secure alternative accommodation for the teams but was unable to do so due to a defence exhibition taking place in Karachi.
The PCB stated that the decision to cancel the tournament was made in the interest of the players' safety and health. The Board official informed that all the players were safe, and none were injured due to the fire outbreak. PCB, in its released statement, said, 'PCB has decided to curtail the National Women's One-Day Tournament 2024-25 in Karachi following a fire incident at the team hotel. Fortunately, no players were injured, as the PCB promptly evacuated the five players in the hotel at the time of the incident and relocated them safely to the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre.' Meanwhile, PCB has also mentioned that Invincibles and Stars- two teams after four matches will face the final. The board will announce the date and venue of the final match soon.
PCB releases list of central contracts for female players
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday released the list of central contracts for sixteen female cricketers for the 2024-25 international season. Last year, 20 players were given two-year contracts with the understanding that their performance will be evaluated following the 2023-24 season.
Among the significant changes, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana and wicketkeeper/batsman Muneeba Ali have been promoted to Category A, while left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been moved to Category B. Gull Feroza, Rameen Shamim, and Tasmia Rubab are the new additions to the contract list. While Tasmia has earned her first central contract, Rameen and Gull have returned to the list, having previously been included in the 2018 and 2022-23 seasons, respectively.
