Pakistan’s New Central Contracts
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have revealed their men’s Central Contracts for the 2025/26 season. The announcement brings a mix of surprises, with senior stars demoted and fresh talent being rewarded. The new structure includes 30 contracted players, divided into three categories — B, C and D. Notably, there is no Category A this year.
Babar Azam and Rizwan Drop to Category B in New Central Contracts
For the 2024/25 cycle, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were the only two names in Category A. But for 2025/26, both have been relegated to Category B. This comes after their recent omission from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. The move signals a clear shift in priorities, with selectors focusing on developing a younger core for the future.
Performers Rewarded with Promotions
Several players have earned upgrades due to their consistent performances across formats in the past 12 months. Haris Rauf, the pace spearhead, finds himself moving up. Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, continues to rise. Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha have been recognized for their steady contributions. Shadab Khan, despite injury struggles, maintains his place among key players. These names join the experienced trio of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi in Category B.
Fresh Faces Highlight Future Plans
A total of 12 new players have been added to the contract list. This reflects the board’s long-term focus on squad depth and player development. Promising youngsters like Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel are among those given contracts. Their inclusion shows the PCB’s intent to build a balanced squad for the next World Cup cycle.
Category Breakdown
Category B (10 players):
Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen 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
Why No Category A This Year?
The absence of Category A is a major talking point. It suggests the PCB is reluctant to place any single player above the rest at this stage. Instead, the focus seems to be on collective responsibility and competition for spots. This strategy may help keep senior players motivated while giving rising stars a fair chance.
A New Era of Selection Policy
Dropping senior figures like Babar and Rizwan from the top bracket and the Asia Cup squad highlights a transitional phase. With the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup on the horizon, the PCB appears determined to test fresh combinations. However, critics argue that sidelining experienced players too soon could disrupt team balance. Supporters, on the other hand, believe it will energize the squad and bring out the best in emerging cricketers.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s 2025/26 central contract list reflects a clear message: no player is untouchable. The demotion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan marks a bold call, while the inclusion of 12 newcomers underlines the push towards the future. Whether this approach pays off will depend on how the team performs in the Asia Cup and the lead-up to the next ICC events. For now, Pakistan cricket has entered a new chapter of accountability and competition.
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