Mohammad Rizwan refuses to sign central contract with PCB after captaincy snub

Pakistan's star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly refused to sign the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new central contract for the 2025–26 season. The decision comes following the conflict between the board and senior players following significant structural changes to the central contract system and recent captaincy reshuffles.

According to multiple reports, the PCB recently overhauled its central contract policy, scrapping the elite Category A, a bracket previously reserved for Pakistan’s top players such as Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi. In the new system, all three have been demoted to Category B alongside several other senior players. The number of contracted players has been increased from 27 to 30, divided equally among Categories B, C, and D. Notably, no player was retained in the now-defunct top tier.

Rizwan, who has been a consistent performer for Pakistan across formats, has become the only player among the 30 contracted cricketers to hold out. Sources close to the matter reveal that Rizwan is unhappy with his demotion and has put forward specific conditions to the PCB. He reportedly demanded the reinstatement of Category A for senior players and called for greater autonomy and stability for national captains, expressing frustration over the board’s frequent leadership changes and perceived lack of player empowerment.

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Rizwan named in Pakistan’s 16-member ODI squad for South Africa series

After the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar stepped down as captain across formats, making way for Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, Shaheen’s stint lasted just one series before Babar was renamed ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Months later, the batter stepped down again, and Rizwan briefly took responsibility as ODI captain. By mid-2025, both Rizwan and Babar were removed from leadership roles, with Agha Salman and now Shaheen Afridi leading in different formats. This constant change of leadership roles led to Rizwan's frustration. His absence from the T20I setup since late 2024 and his sudden removal as ODI captain added to the growing discord.

Meanwhile, the PCB is reportedly unwilling to meet Rizwan’s demands. Officials have maintained that the restructuring was part of a broader policy shift concerned with rewarding consistent performers while promoting younger talent. Despite the controversy, Rizwan has been named in Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting November 3, under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi.