Why Were Babar and Rizwan Downgraded in Pakistan's 2025–26 Central Contracts?
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Synopsis
The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled its central contracts for the 2025-26 season, bringing significant changes as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are demoted to category B. This decision raises questions about their future in the national team amidst new talent entering the fold.
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been demoted to category B.
- Central contracts now include 30 male cricketers.
- 12 new players have joined the contract list this year.
- Several players have been promoted based on last year's performances.
- This reflects PCB's strategy to inject fresh talent into the team.
Lahore, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced central contracts for 30 male cricketers for the forthcoming 2025–26 international season. In a surprising move, veteran batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped to category B, with no player being assigned to category A.
Notably, Babar and Rizwan have also been left out of the T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. The experienced pair participated in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against the West Indies. While the wicketkeeper-batter has been leading Pakistan in the 50-over format, they have not played in the T20I squad since last year.
This year, the PCB has expanded the list from last year's 27 contracted players to 30, adding 12 new faces, while Babar and Rizwan were the only players in category A last year.
New entrants to the central contract list 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.
Players like Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan have been elevated from category C to B due to their commendable performances last year. Additionally, nine players have maintained their positions in the same categories.
In category D, Abdullah Shafique, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have retained their spots, while Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Saud Shakeel remain in category C, and Shaheen Shah Afridi is listed in category B.
Players like Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan, who were in category D last year, have not secured contracts this year.
List of centrally contracted players:
Category B (10 players): Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and 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, and 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, and Sufyan Moqim.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the evolving landscape of Pakistan cricket. While the demotion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may appear alarming, it also signifies the PCB's commitment to fostering new talent. The future of the team must be prioritized, and this decision reflects a broader strategy rather than individual failures.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons for Babar and Rizwan's downgrade?
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were demoted to category B due to a lack of performance in the T20I format and the PCB's decision to expand the central contract list.
How many players are contracted for the 2025-26 season?
The PCB has awarded central contracts to 30 male cricketers for the 2025-26 international season.
Who are the new entrants in the contract list?
New additions include Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, and several others, totaling 12 fresh faces in the contract list.
What categories are the players assigned to?
Players are assigned to categories A, B, C, and D, with Babar and Rizwan now in category B.
What is the impact of these contracts on the players?
The contracts impact players' financial remuneration and their standing in the national team, as performance and talent continue to be prioritized.
