The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the central contracts for the 2025-26 season, unveiling significant changes that have surprised both players and fans. For the first time in years, no Pakistani cricketer has been deemed worthy of an ‘A’ category contract, leading the board to abolish the category altogether. This decision has resulted in some high-profile demotions, including that of former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who previously occupied the top tier.

Details of the Central Contracts

The new contracts will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Unlike the previous year, when 27 players were given contracts, this year the PCB has expanded the pool to 30 contracted players. These players have been distributed equally across three remaining categories: B, C, and D, with 10 players in each group.

According to PCB, the categories were determined based on the players’ performances, consistency, fitness standards, and future potential. The expansion of the list and the inclusion of several fresh faces indicate the board’s effort to create opportunities for younger and emerging talent, while at the same time holding senior cricketers accountable for their recent performances.

New Players in the Contracts List

One of the most notable aspects of this year’s announcement is the inclusion of 12 new players who were not part of the contracts previously. These names include:

• Ahmed Daniyal
• Faheem Ashraf
• Hasan Ali
• Hasan Nawaz
• Hussain Talat
• Khushdil Shah
• Mohammad Abbas
• Mohammad Haris
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Sahibzada Farhan
• Salman Mirza
• Sufiyan Muqeem

The inclusion of these cricketers reflects PCB’s strategy to reward domestic performers, recall experienced campaigners like Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas, and provide incentives for promising talents such as Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza.

Stability and Exits

Out of the 30 players, nine cricketers successfully retained their previous categories, showing consistency in their performance and the trust placed in them by selectors. However, eight players from the previous year lost their central contracts altogether, signaling disappointment for those who failed to meet expectations.

This clear message from the board emphasizes performance-based selection and contract allocation rather than seniority or reputation.

Abolition of ‘A’ Category

Perhaps the most striking feature of the 2025-26 central contracts is the abolition of the ‘A’ category. Traditionally, this category was reserved for the very best performers — cricketers who consistently contributed to the national team at the highest level across all formats.

Last year, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan had been the sole members of the elite category. However, the board concluded that no player this year had demonstrated performances strong enough to merit such recognition. As a result, the ‘A’ category has been discontinued altogether, leaving the remaining contracts to be distributed among categories B, C, and D.

Notable Demotions

The announcement also highlighted several demotions, which have drawn attention and sparked discussions among fans and analysts:

• Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were in Category A last year, now find themselves downgraded to lower tiers. While still among the top cricketers in the squad, their reduced form and impact over the past year are seen as reasons for their demotion.
• Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s leading pace prospect, has been demoted from Category B to Category C, raising questions about his fitness record and limited participation in recent series due to injuries.
• Shan Masood, the Test captain, faced the steepest fall. Once in Category B, he has now been shifted all the way down to Category D, a sign of dissatisfaction with his leadership and batting output in the longest format.

These demotions reflect a tough stance by PCB, signaling that only sustained excellence will be rewarded at the top level.

Comparison With Previous Year

In 2024-25, the contracts had 27 players divided into four categories: A, B, C, and D. This year, the expansion to 30 players but the elimination of Category A creates a reshuffled structure. Additionally, the rise of 12 new entrants shows the changing landscape of Pakistan cricket, where opportunities are being extended to a wider pool.

However, the absence of star players in the topmost category also highlights a troubling reality: Pakistan currently lacks cricketers consistently dominating at the international stage across all three formats.

Reactions From Cricket Circles

The decision has already sparked debate in cricketing circles. Supporters of Babar Azam argue that despite a relatively modest year, he remains Pakistan’s most dependable batter and deserved to retain top-tier status. Similarly, Rizwan’s performances in T20s have been noteworthy, even if his form in Tests has dipped.

On the other hand, many analysts welcome the PCB’s decision, praising the board for sending a strong message that reputation alone is not enough. According to them, this could push senior players to work harder and raise their standards, while also giving newer players a chance to prove themselves.

The Way Forward

With contracts finalized, the real test now lies ahead for Pakistan cricket. The board’s decisions will face scrutiny in upcoming tours and international assignments. If the senior players bounce back strongly, there may be room for Category A to be reinstated in the following year. Conversely, if the new entrants shine, Pakistan may find itself with an expanded pool of match-winners, which is ultimately the goal of such contract reforms.

Conclusion

The PCB’s 2025-26 central contract announcement is nothing short of a shake-up. By abolishing the ‘A’ category and demoting big names like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, and Shan Masood, the board has set a high benchmark for future performance. The inclusion of 12 new players demonstrates PCB’s commitment to renewal and growth, but it also underscores the lack of standout, world-class consistency in the current squad.