The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the central contracts for the 2025-26 season, with a total of 30 players included. A significant change is the absence of any player in Category A. Stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been moved down from Category A to Category B. The overall number of contracted players has been increased from 27 to 30, and 13 of these players are new additions to the list.
The new entrants to the PCB’s central contract list include 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, a young batsman, has earned his first central contract due to his recent impressive performances. Sufiyan Muqeem is also a new addition.
Experienced fast bowlers Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Abbas have made a comeback, showing improved form. Mohammad Haris, who did not receive a contract previously, is also included this time. Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are also part of this year’s list. Fakhar Zaman, who missed out on a central contract in 2024 after eight years, has been placed in Grade B. However, players such as Amir Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Usman Khan have not been awarded central 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.