Big names likely to be demoted, dropped from new central contract

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to unveil a new central contract for national players. Several prominent cricketers will likely be downgraded in categories but will not see a salary reduction.

According to ‘Cricket Pakistan’ reports, fast bowler Naseem Shah will be promoted to Category A, after which he will join the elite group comprising of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Muhammad Rizwan. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan may be demoted from the B category.

Muhammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim will likely be dropped from the central contract. At the same time, openers Imam ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman will likely retain Category B due to their performance in two formats. Shan Masood can also remain in Category B, while the most significant changes are expected in Category D, where the number of players could be reduced.

Earlier, the board had refused to give No Objection Letters (NOC) to Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan for the Global T20 league due to the future tour program.