Babar Azam, Rizwan Demoted as PCB Reveals Central Contracts 2025-26 – No Player in Category A
Lahore – August 19, 2025 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its new central contracts for the 2025–26 international season, confirming major changes in player rankings. For the first time in years, no cricketer has been placed in the elite Category A, a decision that has surprised cricket fans across the country.
PCB LISTAccording to the PCB’s official statement, the new contracts will remain effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, covering 30 male cricketers. The board highlighted that this year’s structure is part of its long-term strategy to promote emerging talent and strengthen squad depth.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Lose Top Spots
In a significant shift, former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were the only two players in Category A last season, have now been moved down to Category B. Both players have struggled to maintain their dominance over the past year, with limited appearances in the national T20 setup contributing to their demotion.
Expansion of Central Contracts
Unlike the 2024–25 cycle which featured 27 players, this year’s list has grown to 30 contracted cricketers, including 12 fresh faces. 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.
The PCB emphasized that the inclusion of new players is aimed at encouraging youthful talent and preparing a stronger bench for future tournaments.
Promotions and Retentions
Five players earned promotions due to their consistent performances last season. These are Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan, all of whom have advanced from Category C to Category B.
Meanwhile, nine players have retained their positions, including Shaheen Shah Afridi (Category B), Abdullah Shafique, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel (all in Category C), and Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr. (Category D).
Players Dropped from the List
The PCB also confirmed that eight players failed to secure contracts this year. These include Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan, all previously part of the Category D lineup.
Complete List of Centrally Contracted Players 2025-26
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