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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may amend its list of centrally contracted players for the upcoming year. All players’ latest contracts expire on June 30; Before this, PCB officials are reviewing the performance of the players who are currently under contract with the board.
Centrally contracted players, who have failed to play up to expectations or consistently so far, are likely to be left out of the next set of new contracts. The fitness of the players is also under question. There are many well-known names in the Pakistan cricket team who are likely to be out due to poor performance and other issues.
Many star players may be dropped from the central contract of Pakistan cricket team.
Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are among the players who are not in the good books of the officials and could be left out of the next central contract. The next cycle is a new cycle starting from July 1st.
“Several Pakistani cricketers are expected to miss out on central contracts as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to revise its player list ahead of the new cycle starting on July 1,” Geo News reported in a report published on its website on May 15.
The report further claimed, “According to sources, many players in the current pool are unlikely to retain their places in the upcoming contracts. Names under consideration for exclusion reportedly include Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah.”
Many rising stars are expected to get encouragement
These players are in the current pool contract, but due to inconsistent performance and selection fluctuations, the PCB may release them from the contract to make room for some emerging talent. To improve their performance in the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board may place several young talents under central contract for 2026-27.
Emerging talents like Azaan Awais and Abdullah Fazal are being considered for inclusion in the new list. These players have shown their skills in domestic cricket in recent times and look promising enough to make a positive impact in international cricket as well.
However, the final list of players will be approved by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The media report also said that some players, who are under central contract for 2025-26 and will also remain in the cycle, may be affected by promotion or demotion in the player category.
Chief Mohsin Naqvi will take the final decision
Depending on the performance, PCB officials may promote some players to the upper ranks, while others may be removed to the lower ranks due to inconsistent performances. The media report said, “Sources have further indicated that the board may also adjust categories for a number of currently contracted players, with possible promotions and demotions expected based on recent form and fitness benchmarks.”
It concluded, “The final announcement is expected to be made when PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi approves the revised structure, which could significantly reshape Pakistan’s central contract landscape for the upcoming season.”
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