Nida Dar Takes Break from Cricket to Focus on Mental Health

News Desk

Islamabad: Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain, Nida Dar, has announced that she is taking a temporary break from cricket to focus on her mental health, as reported by ARY News.

The all-rounder shared that recent personal and professional events have had a significant impact on her well-being. “Over the past few months, a lot has transpired both personally and professionally, and it has taken a toll on my mental health. As a result, I have decided to step away from cricket to prioritize my mental health. I kindly request that my privacy be respected during this time,” Dar explained.

Dar was recently invited to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier training camp in Faisalabad, where she underwent a fitness test. However, she was not selected for the squad due to fitness concerns.

Additionally, Dar chose not to participate in the upcoming National T20 Cup, a domestic competition, opting instead to focus on her mental health and take a break from the sport.

It’s important to note that Nida Dar is Pakistan’s most capped T20I player and was the first-ever Pakistan player, male or female, to take 100 T20I wickets. She is also one of the first four players to have played 100 women’s ODIs for Pakistan and holds the second-most wickets in the format, following Sana Mir.

In 2021, Dar was named the PCB Women’s Cricketer of the Year. At the age of 36, she assumed the role of Pakistan’s all-format captain in April 2023, succeeding Bismah Maroof.

In December, she led the Pakistan women’s team to its first-ever T20I series victory in New Zealand, marking the first time an Asian side had achieved this feat.