The PCB issued central contracts for the 2025–26 international season, giving a major blow to senior Pakistani players, as no player was placed under Category A of contracts.
Recent reports have suggested that senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have cited it as an insult to their honor and years of service for the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
Some senior players were allegedly disappointed with changes, as they were told to them.
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Pakistani media reports have also suggested that there were raids of discrepancy among Pakistani players. Some understand that the influence of Aakib Javed and Mike Hessen has promoted some players.
In the previous season, the inclusion of Fahim Ashraf has also been raised on the inclusion of Fahim Ashraf, with 97 runs and 6 wickets in 9 T20I games.
PCB abandoned Central Contracts for 2025-26 season
According to PCB Central Contracts, which were released last week, Category A lapse was found. No players, even mythological batsmen like Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan, were kept under Category A.
Sources in Pakistani media revealed that many senior players were not only surprised, but were also angry, feeling humiliated. Despite no media statements, the players shared their disappointment in personal discussions.
One of the senior officials of the International Cricket Department of PCB approached the players to contact the players, but in particular, none of the selectors was present. Even during the announcement of contracts, no selector was present to explain the decision making decisions.
Senior players seek release from contract
After assuming that there have been large discrepancies in the swap for the central contract, many senior Pakistan players have taken some decisions which may have large -scale implications.
However, PCB sources have revealed that no decision has been taken on the basis of bias, as they have emphasized that 100% merit-based selections have been made and they claimed that as players’ performance improves, their contract category will also improve.
However, some reports have claimed that some players are considering freeing themselves from the obligations of the central contract, as it is possible to represent the country even without a central contract. However, it remains to be seen that this pack of ‘senior players’ includes the choice of Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were not selected in the Asia Cup squad
Veteran Pakistani batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were once considered the backbone of the Pakistani batting unit, have not cut the Asia Cup squad.
Since the Champions Trophy, when Aga Salman was appointed as the new T20I captain, Mohammad Rizwan has missed most of the series played in the shortest format of wicket-keeper game.
On the other hand, Babur is a modern day legend of Pakistan cricket and there was a possibility of convenience in the Asia Cup; However, his weak appearance in the West Indies ODI Tour continued, which snatched him from opportunities in the Continental Championship.
Selector Aakib Javed and head coach Mike Hessen have been transparent on the issue, saying that both veterans will get a chance if they perform like others at this time. Hessen also supported Babar Azam to return with BBL.
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