Babar Azam gets crushing jolt from PCB after Asia Cup snub, accounts seized

Former Pakistan captain and star Babar Azam is going through the toughest phase of his career. Babar Azam’s poor form had first snatched Pakistan’s captaincy, then his place in the T20I setup, and now his elite position in the annual contracts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently preparing to announce the new central contracts next week, and the biggest shock could be for Babar after he was overlooked for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE next month.

Babar Azam set to lose A-Category in PCB Central Contracts 2025-26

According to several Pakistani media outlets, Babar Azam is unlikely to retain his place in the elite A category in the new PCB Central Contracts list. The insiders revealed that the PCB is planning to reward new performers and fresh faces instead of sticking with the struggling seniors.

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🚨 Babar Azam is unlikely to retain an A category in the PCB central contract. (Qadir Khawaja) pic.twitter.com/KmRGJHpuKj

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 17, 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to reveal the list next week. T20 captain Salman Ali Agha and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed are set for big promotions after their impactful performances. Additionally, all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, along with experienced pacer Hasan Ali and hard-hitting middle-order batter Khushdil Shah, are also in line for contracts.

The PCB’s central contract list for the 2025-26 season will see the entry of fresh faces. Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and left-arm pacer Sufiyan Muqeem are strongly being considered to give the contracts. However, some players like Babar Azam could face disappointment.

Sources revealed that Usman Khan, wicketkeeper Haseebullah, and pacer Khurram Shahzad may not make the cut to the PCB Central Contracts 2025-26 list this time. The PCB’s final decision will depend on recent performances, fitness standards, and future plans.

Read Also: BCCI changes India's Asia Cup squad announcement schedule; tournament in dark clouds?

PCB set to drop ICC revenue share clause from central contracts

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board is gearing up for a bold move that could hit player earnings. Reports suggest the PCB is ready to remove the 3% ICC revenue share clause from the central contracts. This clause was included two years ago after pressure from the players on the board.

If this happens, contracted cricketers are likely to see a dip in their overall income. The PCB has reportedly taken the decision amid growing frustration within the board over the team’s poor performances across the formats. This could be the final year for the clause.

Interestingly, the PCB has raised the retainership budget by 37%—jumping to nearly 1.17 billion PKR from last year’s 854 million—but they have no plans to increase match fees. This means players will continue to earn the same: around 12 lakh PKR for a Test, six lakhs for an ODI, and four lakhs for a T20I.

Read Also: BCCI's hunger for money exposed, ad slot rates for India vs Pakistan match leaked

Javed Miandad slams selectors for axing Babar Azam from Asia Cup 2025

On the other hand, legendary Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad slammed the national selectors for dropping Babar Azam for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

Miandad said in a viral video, “They don’t even know anything. Have they ever played cricket? People who have played at a certain level are now deciding on Babar Azam’s selection. What can they really see? Babar Azam is a great player. Ups and downs are part of the game. Cricket is like a radio—you have to tune in to the right station. When you walk out to the crease and the bowler comes at you, you think to yourself, “Yes, I can do this.”

The Great Sir javed Miandad Sb about Babar Azam 💗

Babar meet sir Miandad sb Plz#Babarazam𓃵 || #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/VXeCRBld1v

— MEER YASIR (@meer_yasi_r) August 17, 2025