Fans react after the PCB deposi Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in central contracts of 2025-26

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) The announcement of the central contracts for the 2025-26 season has sent crash waves through the cricketing fraternity. In the heart of the storm is the demotional of two of the most celebrated cricketers in Pakistan, Babar azam and Muhammad Rizwanof the prestigious Category at into Category B. The decision, arriving a few days after its controversial exclusion of Pakistans Asia Cup 2025 Squad, marks a seismic change in the direction of the Pakistan cricket and has divided fans on social media.

Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan were deposed on PCB central contracts

For years, Azam and Rizwan were faces of the Pakistan battle order, dominating between formats and constantly transporting the hopes of the nation. Its fall of grace is not dramatic. Once the only two players in category A, the duo is now grouped with names in category B such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris rafand promising spinner Aber ahmed.

The decision comes from a change of philosophy. Coach in Chief Aqib Javed He has openly criticized T20i Duo’s strike rates (Babar’s 129 and Rizwan 125), arguing that they no longer fit the new “Cricket Aggressive Cricket” model of Pakistan. With neither of the two presented at T20IS since the end of 2024, its omission of the Asia Cup and the subsequent reduction of the contract feels like the PCB that draws a definitive line under an era.

The reaction has been quick. Fans ask if the PCB acted too hard while old Pealer Tanveer Ahmed has even suggested that the couple consider retirement if they feel discredited, comparing their situation Shot kohli He carefully managed his career transitions.

Break down contracts: money, state and recognition

Central contracts in Pakistan’s cricket are more than a salary: they are a marker of state, recognition and influence. Traditionally, category A contracts, worth 4.5 million PKR per month (about $ 15,590), have been reserved for the true superstaries in the country. In contrast, category B contracts provide 3 million PKRs monthly, with categories C and D ranging from 0.75 million to 1.5 million PKR.

In addition to wages, players centrally contracted also receive a 3% share of the annual revenue of the PCB’s income, further strengthening the prestige attached to these offers.

The list of 2025–26, however, indicates the change. For the first time in recent memory, no player occupies category A. The PCB has chosen to spread the most widely recognized, expanding the pool of 27 to 30 players. Twelve new names, including Ahmed Daniyal, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Abbasand Suffyan MoqimThey have won single contracts. Meanwhile, to performers like Aber Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Aghaand Shadab Khan They have been rewarded with promotions from category C to B.

At the same time, eight players in the previous cycle, including Aamir Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, and Usman khan – He lost his contracts completely, emphasizing the ruthless selection policy of Pakistan.

The most relevant signal, however, is the deliberate absence of players in category A. When eliminating the higher support, the PCB seems to have intended to avoid untouchable superstars and strengthen a merit -based system, no matter how much a player’s past contributions are.

Also read: 3 key reasons for which the exclusion of Babar Azam Pakistan from Asia 2025 is a correct call

This is how fans react:

Also read: Fans react when Pakistan dropped Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Asia Copa 2025



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