The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its central contracts for the 2025–26 season, bringing significant changes to player categories.
Two senior cricketers, former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, have been moved from Category A to Category B. The new list does not feature any player in Category A, marking a major shift in the Board’s approach. Shan Masood, who was in Category B last year, now drops to Category D.
The PCB revealed that 30 players have been awarded contracts, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This is an increase from last year’s 27 contracts, with 12 fresh players included. Among the new names are Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim.
Several players earned promotions for their consistent performances. Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan have all moved from Category C to B. Meanwhile, nine players retained their previous categories, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.
Eight players from last year’s roster did not receive contracts. The list includes Aamir Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, Haseebullah and Usman Khan. All were previously in Category D.
The final list places Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf in Category B. Category C consists of players like Naseem Shah, Mohammad Haris and Saud Shakeel, while Category D includes Shan Masood, Khushdil Shah and Hussain Talat.
The changes have drawn attention because top stars were shifted out of the highest tier. The Babar Azam Rizwan Category A PCB central contracts debate is now a hot topic in Pakistan cricket, as fans and experts analyze what this means for the team’s future direction.
For detailed updates on the Supreme Court’s decision, read more on SC Hears PTI Founder Bail Plea, Hearing Adjourned.
