Pakistan Cricket Star Nida Dar Takes Break
Nida Dar's decision to take a break from cricket due to mental health issues marks a significant moment in Pakistan's cricket history, emphasizing the need for players' well-being and support systems in the sport. As a renowned player with 130 T20 Internationals and 99 One-Day Internationals under her belt, Dar's announcement is expected to inspire a more open conversation about mental health in cricket.
Pakistan women's cricket all-rounder Nida Dar has become the first player in the country's cricket history to withdraw from national selection due to mental health issues, taking a break from the sport to focus on her well-being.
The 39-year-old, a former captain of the national women's team, made the announcement on social media, stating that she has taken a break from cricket to prioritize her mental health. Dar has played 270 matches across ODIs and T20 internationals and was recently asked to make herself available for the selection of the team for the ICC Women's World Cup qualifiers held in Lahore.
However, she withdrew from the training camp and did not participate in the women's national T20 Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been informed of her situation, and Dar has requested respect for her privacy during this time. Dar's decision comes after she failed to make the final 15-player squad for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier and was also unable to meet fitness benchmarks.
The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has acknowledged Dar's decision, and the national women's team will not travel to India for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Dar's break from cricket highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health in sports, and her decision is expected to raise awareness about the issue in Pakistan's cricket community.