In a surprising turn of events shaking Pakistan cricket, prominent wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly declined to sign the new central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This decision comes after the board demoted him to Category B, a move that has sparked significant internal debate.
Reports indicate that Rizwan is the sole player among the 30 contracted individuals who has not inked the new agreement. The PCB recently implemented a major overhaul, entirely abolishing the elite Category A, which traditionally housed senior players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rizwan himself. This restructure is widely seen as a clear signal of the board’s growing dissatisfaction with the national team’s performance over the past year.
Under the new tiered system, ten players, including the aforementioned senior trio, have been grouped into Category B. However, sources close to the situation suggest that Rizwan has communicated his unwillingness to sign the contract until his concerns are adequately addressed. His stance is believed to be a combination of his demotion from the top tier and his recent unexpected removal as Pakistan’s ODI captain.
Rizwan is reportedly demanding that the PCB re-establish Category A for its most senior players. Furthermore, he seeks assurances that any appointed captain will be given a clear term and complete authority to implement their strategic plans without undue interference.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is renowned for his consistent performances and resilient spirit, having been a pivotal member of Pakistan’s squad across all formats in recent years. Despite his consistent contributions, he has not featured in T20 Internationals since December 2024, and his unexpected sacking as ODI captain, with Shaheen Shah Afridi named as his successor, left many observers surprised.
This contract dispute further intensifies the ongoing uncertainty within Pakistan cricket, where a series of recent leadership changes and contentious selection decisions have fueled heated discussions among players, fans, and cricketing experts.