PCB Central Contracts 2025 have been announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The new list brings major changes for senior and emerging players. A total of 30 cricketers received contracts for the 2025–26 season.
For the first time in years, the PCB did not award a Category A contract. Star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan lost their top spots. The board moved them to Category B, along with other key players.
The contracts will remain valid from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Officials confirmed that performance and consistency at international level determined the placement of each player.
Category B now includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Saim Ayub.
Category C features Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Nauman Ali.
Category D lists Shan Masood, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza, Khurram Shahzad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Khushdil Shah.
The PCB also added fresh names to the contracts. Newcomers include Mohammad Haris, Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Abbas, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Their inclusion shows the board’s commitment to rewarding young and emerging players.
Read: Pakistan Cricket Team Squad 2025: Salman Ali Agha to Lead in Tri-Series and Asia Cup
The decision to remove Category A has sparked widespread debate. Fans and experts say the PCB wants senior players to improve their form. Analysts believe the board is sending a message: only consistent performance guarantees rewards.
