ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Nida Dar has announced a temporary hiatus from the sport, citing personal and professional challenges affecting her mental well-being.
In a candid message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dar expressed:
“I would like to inform you that a lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally, and this has affected my mental health. For this reason, I am taking a break from cricket to focus on my well-being. Please respect my privacy.”
Dar’s decision underscores the growing recognition of mental health within professional sports. Her openness may inspire others to prioritize their mental well-being.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to comment on Dar’s announcement. Her absence from the team follows a series of events, including a concussion during a match against New Zealand in December 2023, which led to her temporary replacement by Fatima Sana as captain for the second ODI of that series. ([Fatima Sana replaces injured Nida Dar as captain for second ODI against NZ
Dar has been a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s women’s cricket, leading the team to historic victories, such as their first T20I series win in New Zealand. Her leadership and contributions to the sport have been widely acknowledged. ([Nida Dar
As Dar takes this well-deserved break, the cricket community and fans alike extend their support and best wishes for her health and recovery.