Pakistan Rupee Exchange Rate
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced central contracts for 25 national players for the 2024-25 season, with several prominent players facing demotions. Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan have retained their positions in Category A, while fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been downgraded from Category A to B. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman have missed out on central contracts altogether.
The PCB issued these contracts for a one-year term, starting from July 1, 2024, after a five-month delay. Five players have been awarded central contracts for the first time, reflecting the board’s efforts to encourage emerging talent. However, the reshuffling of contract categories has resulted in mixed outcomes for some established players.
Babar and Rizwan retain top spot; Shaheen Afridi downgraded
According to the official PCB announcement, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan successfully held onto their places in Category A. In contrast, Shaheen Afridi, Test captain Shan Masood, and fast bowler Naseem Shah have been placed in Category B.
Sarfaraz and Fakhar left out
Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman failed to secure central contracts, marking a significant change in the lineup. On the other hand, bowlers Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan have made their way into the list, securing spots in Category C.
Key changes across categories
Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed are now part of Category C. Additionally, young talents Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Huraira, and Mir Hamza have been included in Category D. New entrants Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Abbas Afridi, Usman Khan, and Irfan Niazi have also been placed in Category D, reflecting the PCB’s focus on nurturing younger talent.
Several senior players miss out
Prominent players such as Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Ehsanullah have not been offered contracts. Others like Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Haris, and Zaman Khan also failed to make the cut. Additionally, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Usama Mir, and Arshad Iqbal were left out of the contract list.
Focus on youth development
The PCB emphasized that the inclusion of young players is aimed at encouraging and developing emerging talent for future international challenges. Among the five newcomers receiving central contracts for the first time are Khurram Shehzad, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan.
With the new contract structure set to take effect in July 2024, the PCB hopes the changes will foster a competitive environment while rewarding both experience and youth.
