Nida Dar announces break from Pakistan cricket to focus on mental health
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Former Pakistan women's cricket team captain Nida Dar has announced a temporary break from all forms of cricket to focus on her mental health, following what she described as a period of personal and professional challenges.
The 38-year-old all-rounder made the announcement on social media late Thursday, appealing for privacy as she steps away from the game.
'A lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally and this has affected my mental health,' Dar wrote.
'For this reason, I am taking a break for a while from cricket to focus on myself. Please respect the privacy. Thank you. #respect.'
Dar, one of Pakistan's most experienced players, has represented her country in 130 T20 Internationals and 99 One-Day Internationals.
Known for her consistency and leadership, she had recently returned to training in preparation for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Faisalabad.
However, she did not make the final 15-player squad after failing to meet fitness benchmarks.
In addition to stepping away from international contention, Dar has also withdrawn from the upcoming National T20 Cup, choosing instead to take a complete break from competitive cricket.
Her decision comes as the Pakistan women's team celebrated a successful qualifying campaign for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, securing five straight wins and defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in their final match on April 19 at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground.
While lauding the squad's performance, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the national women's team will not travel to India for the tournament, in line with a previously agreed 'hybrid model' similar to that adopted for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy.
'Pakistan will not travel to India, as this formula has already been agreed upon,' Naqvi stated during a visit to the LCCA Ground.
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