Pakistan Cricket Board announces Men’s Central Contracts for 2025-26 season
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has just announced central contracts for 30 male cricketers for the upcoming 2025-26 international season. The contracts reflect the Board’s commitment to recognising and supporting national talent.
These contracts are applicable from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The roster has been expanded to 30 contracted players, up from 27 in the earlier season – all distributed equally across three categories.
Category B: 10 players
Category C: 10 players
Category D: 10 players
PCB making room for rising superstars
It must be highlighted here that there are no players selected for Category A in this cycle. The expansion of the roster, featuring 12 fresh additions, highlights the emergence of promising fresh talent and the Board’s focus on squad depth and future progress.
In a significant shift, former captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizan (current ODI skipper) are demoted to Category B. The demotion marks a performance-first approach, making room for rising superstars in the team.
The elimination of Category A entirely emphasizes equality and competitive standards across the board. Cricketers in each category get different fixed retainers and match fees. The latest announcement does not specify financials.
