Several cricketers are likely to lose their places in the central contract list as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to introduce major changes ahead of the new contract cycle.
According to media reports, the current financial model for national players’ central contracts will expire on June 30. The three-year model was introduced in 2023 during the tenure of former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf.
The new central contract period will begin on July 1, and discussions are ongoing regarding the players to be included. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will make the final decision on the financial model.
Last year, 30 cricketers were awarded central contracts, but no player was placed in Category A. Major changes are expected in the new list of central contracts.
Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, and Khushdil Shah are unlikely to retain their contracts, while domestic performers such as Azan Owais and Abdullah Fazal are expected to receive central contracts.
Last year, the PCB awarded central contracts to 30 players, but for the first time, no cricketer was placed in Category A, reflecting the board’s stricter performance-based evaluation system.
The new contracts are likely to feature several promotions and demotions across categories based on players’ recent form, fitness, and overall contributions.
At the same time, the PCB is expected to reward strong domestic performances, with emerging players such as Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal likely to be considered for inclusion in the new central contracts.
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