Central contracts revision by PCB: Demotions for Babar and Rizwan, no top-tier player selections
Pakistan Cricket Board Announces Central Contract List for 2025-26 Season
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its list of centrally contracted players for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant shift in the team's structure. The list, which includes 30 players, represents an increase of three from the previous season.
Notably, the senior pair, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been on Category A contracts every season since 2020-21 and 2018-19 respectively, have been given Category B contracts for the upcoming season. This decision comes after their consistent performances in various formats of the game.
In a surprising turn of events, Test quick Mohammad Abbas has been added to the central contract list after five years. Abbas, who last received a central contract from the PCB in 2020-21, has been awarded a Category D contract. The fast bowler, who has surpassed the mark of 800 first-class wickets, made a comeback against South Africa on Boxing Day in 2024, taking 10 wickets across two Tests.
The list also sees Test skipper Shan Masood being demoted from Category B to Category D. Among the other players included in the list are Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and many more. The list includes 10 players each in Category B, C, and D.
It is worth noting that no players have been included in the top category, Category A, for the 2025-26 season. The PCB has increased the number of central contracts by three, from 27 to 30, to accommodate more deserving talent.
The PCB announced the list on August 19, with the 2025-26 season promising to be an exciting one for Pakistani cricket fans. Mohammad Abbas, who has been active in domestic first-class cricket, primarily in Pakistan and England, is set to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the 2025-26 central contract list presents a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with Mohammad Abbas' inclusion being a notable highlight. The absence of Category A players and the increased number of contracts indicate a shift in the PCB's approach towards player selection and development.
