PCB Central Contracts Shake-Up: Babar Demoted

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its central contracts for the 2025–26 season, introducing a surprising shift in player rankings. For the first time in years, no player has been placed in the top-tier Category A. Former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who held A-category contracts last year, have now been demoted to Category B.

No Category A Players This Season

The PCB confirmed that the new contracts are effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The board stressed that this year’s structure reflects a commitment to developing national talent and ensuring long-term squad depth.

Unlike previous seasons, Category A remains vacant. This absence highlights the PCB’s decision to avoid placing any player at the very top level, signaling a shift in how performances are being rewarded.

Read: Pakistan Drops Babar and Rizwan from Asia Cup Squad

Demotions for Babar and Rizwan

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, once the mainstays of Pakistan’s batting lineup, find themselves in Category B. Both players were sidelined from the T20 squad during the past year, which contributed to their demotion.

Their fall from the highest grade marks a significant change in the board’s evaluation criteria. Despite their past contributions, recent performances and team dynamics played a decisive role in the new contract list.

Expanded Pool of Players

Compared to last year’s 27 male cricketers, this season’s list features 30 players. The PCB said the expansion shows a strategy to include emerging talent while maintaining competition for places. Out of the 30, twelve are fresh inclusions.

The newcomers include 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.

Promotions Based on Performance

Five players received promotions following consistent performances over the past year. Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan all moved up from Category C to Category B.

These promotions underline the PCB’s approach to recognizing players who demonstrated impact across formats and contributed strongly to the national side.

Retained Players

Nine players retained their positions in the same categories as last year. Among them are Abdullah Shafique in Category C, and Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in Category D.

In Category C, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Saud Shakeel continue, while fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi remains in Category B. This consistency reflects the board’s satisfaction with their steady performances.

Players Missing Out

While the pool expanded, not everyone made the cut. Eight players lost their central contracts this season. They are Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan.

All eight had been in Category D last year but were not included in the latest contracts. Their omission suggests the board is prioritizing emerging names and shifting focus towards younger talent.

Breakdown of Categories

The 2025–26 contracts divide the players into three groups of ten.

Category B (10 players): Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Category C (10 players): Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel.

Category D (10 players): Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood, Sufyan Moqim.

PCB’s Strategic Focus

The PCB explained that the restructuring aligns with its long-term vision. By leaving Category A vacant, the board aims to push players to raise their performances and compete for the top spot. The inclusion of 12 new names also reflects confidence in Pakistan’s upcoming talent pool.

Officials stated that the contracts are not only about financial rewards but also about building a framework for future success. Regular reviews and performance monitoring will continue throughout the season to ensure accountability.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of the PCB central contracts marks the beginning of a crucial season. With 30 players in the pool, including established stars and fresh faces, competition for national team spots will intensify.

For Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the demotion represents both a challenge and an opportunity to reclaim their status. For the newcomers, it opens doors to establish themselves at the highest level.

As Pakistan prepares for the 2025–26 international calendar, the central contract list reflects a transition period — one where experience and youth will need to strike the right balance.