Mohammad Rizwan Refuses to Sign PCB’s New Central Contract After Demotion

As the team is suffering a string of losses, players are not enjoying the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) new rulebook, which has ignited a fresh controversy. In the meantime, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has turned down the PCB's draft of a new central contract, in which he was relegated to Category B and lost the ODI captaincy.

Rizwan is said to be the sole player among the 30 contracted players yet to sign this document. In a major overhaul, the PCB has made the decision to do away with the Elite Category A, which had senior players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rizwan. The decision has been viewed as a crystal-clear message from the board that it is not satisfied with the performance of the national team over the last twelve months.

Under the new structure, 10 players, including the senior trio, were grouped together in Category B. Rizwan is believed to have informed the board that he will not sign a contract until his concerns are addressed. His decision reportedly stems from his dissatisfaction with his demotion and recent removal as Pakistan's ODI captain.

Rizwan has reportedly demanded that the PCB reinstate Category A for senior players and ensure that whoever is appointed captain is given a clear tenure and full authority to implement their plans without interference.

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his consistency and fighting spirit, has been a key member of the Pakistan cricket team across all formats in recent years. Yet, he hasn't played in a T20 International since December 2024. His dismissal as ODI captain came as a surprise to many, as Shaheen Shah Afridi was appointed his replacement.