The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled their 2024-25 central contracts, recognizing both seasoned players and emerging talent within a 25-player pool. Following their successful Test series against England, the PCB’s new contracts highlight some notable adjustments, with the primary focus on rewarding consistent performance, fitness, and positive behavior. Among the changes, five young cricketers have received their first central contracts, underscoring PCB’s dedication to developing future stars.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan retain top spots

Former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan continue to hold Category A contracts, representing the core of Pakistan’s batting lineup. Both have been consistent in their performances and will play a pivotal role, particularly in white-ball formats. Rizwan will now lead the Pakistan’s T20I and ODI teams after being named as skipper in the limited-over formats, while Babar’s retention reflects his importance as an experienced batter and tactical asset.

Key promotions, demotions, and omissions: Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq

The new contract list features both promotions and demotions. Shaheen Afridi has moved down to Category B, joined by Naseem Shah and Shan Masood (who moved up from Category D), indicating a reward for Shan’s recent consistent displays. Haris Rauf was shifted from Category B to Category C, while long-time players like Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq faced omissions due to fitness concerns, marking a significant step by PCB towards prioritizing physical standards. Notably, Fakhar’s exclusion came after failing two fitness tests, with ongoing knee rehabilitation limiting his participation.

Also READ: Gary Kirsten steps down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach

Emerging players awarded central contracts for the first time

For the first time, five emerging players have been awarded Category D contracts. These players – Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan – have displayed consistent potential at the domestic level. PCB’s inclusion of young talents aligns with their strategy to foster and incentivize emerging players, ensuring a pipeline for Pakistan’s future squads.

PCB’s emphasis on fitness and discipline

The PCB’s central contract decisions this year reveal a clear emphasis on fitness standards and behavioral expectations. Several players, including Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, were omitted from the list following evaluations of their performance, fitness, and discipline. PCB sources emphasized that Fakhar’s omission was based on fitness standards rather than any recent disciplinary matters. Additionally, the board delayed the contracts by nearly three months to ensure all players were assessed thoroughly, with fitness proving decisive for selection.

Pakistan Men’s Cricket: Central Contract Categories 2024-25

Category A (2): Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan
Category B (3): Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood
Category C (9): Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan
Category D (11): Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Also READ: Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson return as Australia unveil T20I squad for the home series against Pakistan

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.