Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly refused to signal the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new central contract for the 2025–26 season. The choice comes following the battle between the board and senior gamers following important structural adjustments to the central contract system and up to date captaincy reshuffles.
In keeping with a number of studies, the PCB lately overhauled its central contract coverage, scrapping the elite Class A, a bracket beforehand reserved for Pakistan’s high gamers comparable to Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi. Within the new system, all three have been demoted to Class B alongside a number of different senior gamers. The variety of contracted gamers has been elevated from 27 to 30, divided equally amongst Classes B, C, and D. Notably, no participant was retained within the now-defunct high tier.
Rizwan, who has been a constant performer for Pakistan throughout codecs, has grow to be the one participant among the many 30 contracted cricketers to carry out. Sources near the matter reveal that Rizwan is sad along with his demotion and has put ahead particular situations to the PCB. He reportedly demanded the reinstatement of Class A for senior gamers and known as for larger autonomy and stability for nationwide captains, expressing frustration over the board’s frequent management adjustments and perceived lack of participant empowerment.
Rizwan named in Pakistan’s 16-member ODI squad for South Africa collection
After the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar stepped down as captain throughout codecs, making means for Shaheen Shah Afridi. Nonetheless, Shaheen’s stint lasted only one collection earlier than Babar was renamed forward of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Months later, the batter stepped down once more, and Rizwan briefly took duty as ODI captain. By mid-2025, each Rizwan and Babar had been faraway from management roles, with Agha Salman and now Shaheen Afridi main in several codecs. This fixed change of management roles led to Rizwan‘s frustration. His absence from the T20I setup since late 2024 and his sudden elimination as ODI captain added to the rising discord.
In the meantime, the PCB is reportedly unwilling to satisfy Rizwan’s calls for. Officers have maintained that the restructuring was a part of a broader coverage shift involved with rewarding constant performers whereas selling youthful expertise. Regardless of the controversy, Rizwan has been named in Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI collection in opposition to South Africa, beginning November 3, underneath the management of Shaheen Afridi.
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