Babar Azam also demoted to Category B as board restructures central contracts.
Contract Dispute Emerges
Pakistan’s top wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly declined to sign his 2025–26 central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being moved from Category A to Category B. Sources close to the board say Rizwan has sought clarification regarding the downgrade before putting pen to paper.
The PCB recently unveiled its new central contracts for 30 national players, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The updated structure features Categories B, C, and D with Category A notably left vacant, an unprecedented move that has sparked questions from senior squad members.
Demotions Raise Eyebrows
Last season, both Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam held Category A status, representing the top tier of PCB’s pay scale. However, in the latest announcement, both have been shifted to Category B, prompting widespread speculation about the board’s motives and evaluation criteria.
According to media reports, Rizwan has withheld his signature pending an official response from the PCB regarding the rationale behind his demotion. Several other players have already finalized their contracts without objection.
Restructuring in Pakistan Cricket
The contract reshuffle arrives amid sweeping changes within Pakistan’s white-ball setup. The recent ODI captaincy switch, which saw Shaheen Shah Afridi replace Babar Azam, has already drawn public attention to the board’s internal decision-making processes.
Observers believe the timing of the contract overhaul, leadership changes, and shifting player categories could indicate a broader shift in PCB’s reward and selection policy. The absence of any player in the top category further adds to the intrigue.
What Lies Ahead
Rizwan’s next move depends largely on how the PCB addresses his concerns. If a formal explanation is issued, insiders expect the player to sign promptly. However, if the board remains silent, the situation could escalate into a rare public standoff between a senior cricketer and the national cricket board.
As of now, Mohammad Rizwan remains the only prominent player reported to have not signed the 2025–26 central contract.