PCB starts primary discussions on central contracts

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun early discussions regarding central contracts for the 2025-26 season, marking the final of the three-year financial framework introduced under Zaka Ashraf’s chairmanship in 2023.

While a complete overhaul of the centrally contracted players’ list is unlikely, minor adjustments within categories are being considered. Players like Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf, who missed out on contracts last year, are reportedly under consideration for a return. Additionally, top domestic performers may be placed in Category D.

Although, the current contracts expire on June 30, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to maintain continuity rather than the introduction of structural changes. Last year, the PCB announced its 2024-25 centrally contracted players, categorising them as follows:

Category A: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Category B: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shan Masood.

Category C: Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shadab Khan.

Category D: Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Khan.