PCB announces 2025–26 central contracts

(Web Desk): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the central contracts for the 2025–26 season, awarding contracts to 30 players. Based on performance, 10 players each have been placed in Categories B, C, and D.

According to the PCB, the contracts will be effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Last year, 27 players were awarded contracts; with the inclusion of 12 new players this year, the total has increased to 30.

The newly contracted players include Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Nine players managed to retain their previous categories, while eight players failed to secure a contract this year.

Category B includes: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.

Category C includes: Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Nauman Ali.

Category D includes: Shan Masood, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza, Khurram Shehzad, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

According to the PCB, the inclusion of emerging talents such as Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, and Sufiyan Muqeem is a strong signal of the board's commitment to promoting young talent.

The PCB also stated that players like Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan were promoted to Category B due to their consistent performances, while nine players successfully retained their categories based on sustained performance and contribution.

The PCB added that the inclusion of domestic and emerging players highlights its forward-looking approach to team building.