In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its central contract list for the 2025-26 season without awarding the prestigious Category A contracts to any player. Traditionally reserved for the top performers and most influential figures in Pakistan cricket, Category A carries both financial weight and symbolic value.
For years, players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been the flag-bearers of the national team, but their underwhelming performances in the past 12 months have led to a significant reshuffle. With no player deemed worthy of the highest category, Pakistan cricket enters a fresh phase of accountability and restructuring.
No Player in Category A
The headline decision of the contract list is the complete absence of Category A players. Last season, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were the only ones holding this spot. However, both have been demoted to Category B following a lackluster year in international cricket.
An internal source revealed that the team’s collective failure was the main reason behind this decision. According to PCB’s stance, no player had shown the consistency and match-winning ability required to justify the highest tier. This marks the first time in recent memory that Pakistan has gone without awarding a single Category A contract.
Babar Azam and Rizwan Demoted
Babar Azam, once the poster boy of Pakistan cricket, and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, have faced a steep fall. While both players remain integral to Pakistan’s batting order, their inability to deliver big runs across formats has seen them downgraded to Category B.
This demotion sends a clear message that performances, not reputations, will dictate future rewards. It also sets the stage for a more competitive environment where senior players must prove themselves to reclaim top recognition.
Shan Masood Faces Big Drop
Test captain Shan Masood has been handed the most dramatic demotion, sliding from Category B to Category D. Despite leading the Test side, his performances with the bat and as captain failed to impress selectors. His position now places him in the lowest tier, sharing space with emerging and fringe players.
The drop also reflects the PCB’s ruthless approach, emphasizing results over leadership titles.
Fakhar Zaman Returns
One of the notable changes is the return of Fakhar Zaman to Category B. The left-handed opener had missed out on a central contract in 2024 amid disciplinary concerns, ending his eight-year streak. However, with improved discipline and renewed form, he finds himself reinstated among the contracted players, giving him a chance to rebuild his career.
Promotions for Rising Stars
While senior players faced demotions, several younger names earned promotions. Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan were all elevated to Category B. Their consistent performances, particularly in T20 cricket, have given Pakistan fresh options in limited-overs formats.
Additionally, new entrants like Sufiyan Muqim, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Haris secured contracts for the first time. For Muqim and Nawaz, this marks their official entry into the central contract structure, highlighting PCB’s commitment to investing in youth.
Players Dropped from the List
Not everyone was fortunate enough to retain their place. Several players lost their central contracts altogether, including Aamir Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Usman Khan. Their exclusion indicates that the board is moving away from those who failed to cement their spots at the highest level.
This move also reflects a tightening of standards, where underperforming players will no longer be carried forward simply for depth.
Central Contract Structure 2025-26
The upcoming season marks the final year of the landmark three-year deal between PCB and its players. This deal had earlier guaranteed historic pay raises and introduced a revenue-sharing model where players receive a fixed share of PCB’s ICC earnings.
For 2025-26, the structure remains unchanged, with the only modifications being in player categories. Contracts will cover the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, after which a complete revision is expected.
Official Contract Categories
Category A
In Category A, the list includes some of Pakistan’s biggest names and rising performers such as Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Category B
Moving to Category B, the contracts have been handed to Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan, and Saud Shakeel.
Category C
Finally, in Category C, the players include Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood, and Sufyan Muqim.
Implications for Pakistan Cricket
The absence of Category A contracts underlines the need for consistency and hunger in the national team. Senior players now face increased scrutiny, while youngsters have been given opportunities to step up.
By holding back the top rewards, the PCB has sent a strong signal: performance is the only currency that matters. With the T20 World Cup and key Test series lined up, the next year will be crucial for players hoping to climb the ladder.
FAQs
Why did PCB not award any Category A contracts in 2025-26?
The PCB explained that no player’s recent performance met the standards required for the top tier, which is why Category A was left empty.
Which senior players were demoted in the latest contracts?
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were demoted to Category B, while Test captain Shan Masood saw a major drop to Category D.
Who are the players promoted to higher categories?
Promotions were given to Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan, all moving up to Category B.
Which players lost their central contracts completely?
Aamir Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Usman Khan were among those dropped from the central contracts list.
How long will the 2025-26 contracts remain valid?
These contracts will run from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026, marking the final year of the three-year agreement signed earlier.
Conclusion
The PCB’s decision to exclude all players from Category A contracts for the 2025-26 season has reshaped Pakistan’s cricketing hierarchy. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan demoted, Shan Masood dropped, and new faces promoted, the central contract list reflects both accountability and opportunity. This bold move ensures that no player can take their place for granted. If Pakistan is to rise again on the global stage, its players will have to earn their spots not just in the team, but also in the contract rankings.
