Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Nida Dar has announced a temporary break from cricket to address mental health challenges.
The veteran all-rounder shared her decision on social media late Thursday, explaining that recent personal and professional events have taken a significant toll on her well-being.
She stated,
After careful consideration, I have decided to take a temporary break from cricket to prioritize my mental health and well-being. Recent personal and professional challenges have taken a toll on my mental health, and I need to take some time to focus on myself. I appreciate your understanding and respect for my privacy during this time. I am grateful for the support of my loved ones and look forward to returning to the Cricket Field when I am ready.
The 38-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 130 T20Is and 99 ODIs, was recently called up for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier training camp in Faisalabad.
Despite returning to training after being initially included among 19 players, Dar was not selected for the final 15-member squad due to fitness test results.
She also declined to participate in the upcoming National T20 Cup, opting instead to step away from the game entirely for the time being.
A trailblazer in women’s cricket and the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 126 wickets, Nida Dar has been a pivotal figure for Pakistan.
Her decision highlights the growing recognition of mental health challenges in sports, especially in a high-pressure environment like international cricket.
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