The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its men’s central contracts for the 2025–26 season, and for the first time in years, there is no Category A contract. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were previously in the top tier, have now been placed in Category B.
Category A contracts are usually reserved for Pakistan’s leading players, offering the highest salaries and status. Scrapping this tier marks a significant change in how the PCB is structuring rewards and accountability.
What’s Changed in the New Contracts?
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No Category A: The top tier has been removed completely, showing that no player is guaranteed automatic status this season.
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Babar and Rizwan demoted: Both move down to Category B, where they join Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman.
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Expanded pool: The number of contracted players has increased from 27 to 30, with 10 each in Categories B, C, and D.
Who Got Promoted?
Some players have moved up despite the shake-up.
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Promoted to Category B: Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan.
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Salary boosts in lower tiers: Category C players now earn PKR 2.5 million/month, while Category D players receive PKR 1.5 million/month.
These changes suggest that the board wants to give younger players more support and security.
New Faces in the System
A dozen players have received central contracts for the first time. The list includes Ahmed Daniyal, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, and Mohammad Abbas, among others.
Meanwhile, eight players, including Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, and Usman Khan, have not received central contracts this season. Some other players, like Shan Masood, were also moved to lower categories, reflecting the PCB’s performance-based approach.
Why Did PCB Do This?
The decision follows a period of inconsistent performances, with Pakistan struggling across formats and falling short in major tournaments. By removing Category A and expanding the pool, the PCB is sending a clear message: selection and contract status will now depend on recent performance rather than past reputation.
It also creates space for younger talent while keeping senior players under pressure to deliver.
What It Means Going Forward
For established names like Babar and Rizwan, the message is clear: strong performances are needed to regain top status. For newcomers, this is a chance to prove they belong at the highest level.
The 2025–26 season will show whether this new approach strengthens the team through fresh competition or adds extra pressure on senior players.
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