WicketKeeper-cadaver of Pakistan Muhammad Rizwan In the 2025-26 season, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused to sign the Central Contract, expressing displeasure over the relegation from Category A to Category B and concerns over the recent captaincy change of the national team.
Rizwan’s decision has sparked a major debate in Pakistan Cricket circles as he agreed to a single player from 30 to highlight the growing tension between the new deal, senior players and the PCB’s new administrative approach.
PCB Restructures Central contracts, showcases major players
In a move aimed at overhauling the pay structure and performance appraisal, the PCB recently announced a revamped central contract system, scrapping the extra category for top performers like Babar Azam Shaheen Afridi and rizwan.
Under the new structure, all senior players are in Category B, a decision widely seen as a rebuke of the team over the past year, including disappointing results in multi-national tournaments.
Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s most consistent players across formats, said he would not sign the contract unless his concerns were addressed, saying he did not directly inform the PCB.
Rizwan’s main demands are for the PCB
According to multiple reports, Rizwan made three main demands before agreeing to sign the contract:
Categorization Category A a Rizwan urges the PCB itself to restore the best payout rate to recognize the long-lasting contributions and native contributions and stature of great players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
Greater autonomy for captains: WicketKeeper-Bity wants captains to have an open term and full authority to implement their strategies without administrative interference.
Clarification on T20I exception: Rizwan sought an explanation for Pakistan’s absence from the T20I Set-up since December 2024, demanding transparency in selection decisions despite their consistent domestic form.
These demands reflect not only personal grievances, but wider discontent among senior players over the PCB’s contracts, leadership appointments and team management.
See also: Babar Azam’s T20I Arrival, South Africa Thrash Pakistan at Ravypindi with a Duck as Pakistan Thrash
Leadership Changes Add To Pakistan’s Confusion
Rizwan’s frustration also stemmed from recent captaincy changes where Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi was dropped as Pakistan’s ODI captain. The change, which comes amid Pakistan’s mixed results in the 2024-25 season, has reportedly created divisions in the dressing room and raised questions about the board’s long-term strategy.
While Shaheen Afridi continued to lead Odis and Babar was reappointed as Test captain, Rizwan’s withdrawal from the T20IS and exit from top contract status added fuel to the growing narrative of instability in Pakistan cricket.
Read: PAK VS SA – Fans troll Babar Azam wildly as he celebrates Silver Duck in T20I Arrival
