Nida Dar available for selection after an indefinite break

Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar is back from her indefinite break, which she took last year for her mental health. Dar last played an international game in October 2024 against New Zealand.

Nida’s omission from the squad

Following her omission from the squad for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers last year, Nida, 39, announced she would step back for a while after the conclusion of the tournament.

"I would like to inform that a lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally and this has affected my mental health," Dar had said. "For this reason I am taking a break for a while from cricket to focus on myself."

A year before she announced the break, the PCB stripped Nida of her central contract following a decline in her form. Still, her absence from the World Cup Qualifiers squad was a surprise since she was a part of the training camp ahead of the tournament. 

Nida returns

She announced the end of her break via an X post, saying that the time away from the game had helped her ‘regain’ her strength.

"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," Nida Dar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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

The decision comes as the Pakistan team takes part in the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. The side is drawn into the same group as India, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. They have lost both of their games so far, with the latest defeat coming against South Africa in a low-scoring game.

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