Babar Rizwan Dropped to PCB Category B
PCB Restructures Contracts, Babar and Rizwan Move to Category B
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a major shake-up in its central contract structure, placing players into Categories B, C, and D, and scrapping the long-standing Category A reserved for top performers.
As a result, star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan have been moved from Category A to Category B. They are joined by pace ace Shaheen Afridi, opener Fakhar Zaman, all-rounder Shadab Khan, spinner Abrar Ahmed, fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, and young talents Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.
Category C features Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Noman Ali. Meanwhile, Category D includes Shan Masood, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza, Khurram Shehzad, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
This year, 12 new players received central contracts, signaling the PCB’s focus on rewarding consistent performers and giving emerging talent a platform to shine. The new contract recipients are Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
Earlier, the PCB also announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and UAE tri-series. The decision grabbed headlines as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were left out of the team. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been named captain.
The squad blends experienced players with fresh talent, featuring Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, alongside Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, and Mohammad Nawaz. Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Sahibzada Farhan complete the lineup.
Selectors are taking this bold step to explore new combinations ahead of future tournaments, signaling a fresh approach to Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan Squad – Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
