The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the central contracts for the 2025-26 season, with a total of 30 players included. A notable aspect is the absence of players in Category A. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, prominent cricketers, have been demoted to Category B. The list has been expanded from 27 to 30 players, with 13 new players receiving central contracts.
The new players added to the PCB’s central contract list are Hasan Nawaz, Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Hasan Nawaz has been awarded his first central contract, owing to his recent outstanding performances. Sufiyan Muqeem is also a first-time inclusion.
Experienced bowlers Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Abbas have returned to the list, displaying improved form. Mohammad Haris is also included this time after missing out before. Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are also part of the contract list. Fakhar Zaman has been placed in Grade B, having missed out on a contract in 2024. Players like Amir Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Usman Khan have not been awarded contracts this time.
PCB 2025-26 Central Contract List
Grade B: Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Grade C: Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan, and Saud Shakeel
Grade D: Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Salman Mirza, Shan Masood, and Sufiyan Muqeem.