Fakhar Zaman and Others Set for PCB Central Contracts Revival

Exciting Changes in PCB Central Contracts

In Lahore, it has been reported that Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf are likely to be reinstated in the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) central contracts for the 2025-26 season after their omission last year.

The PCB had postponed the announcement of the central contracts until October last year, despite these contracts being valid from July 1 to June 30.

These players were previously left out due to subpar performances and fitness concerns, but their recent strong showings in the Pakistan Super League have put them back in contention.

According to a PCB source, discussions among the management and national selectors regarding the players to be awarded new central contracts in July have already commenced.

The source also mentioned that top performers from the domestic circuit, along with some promising young talents, will be included in the 'D' category, which will come with additional incentives.

However, some players may face contract losses due to lackluster performances over the past 7-8 months.

In 2023, the PCB and senior players agreed on a three-year financial structure for the central contracts, and this year marks the final phase of that model.

The source emphasized that there will be no increase in monthly retainers or match fees, as the PCB remains dissatisfied with the team's overall performance.

Currently, the central contracts list features top players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the highest category.

Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shan Masood are categorized under Category B, while Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shadab Khan are in Category C.

Category D includes players such as Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Khan.