Naseem Shah set for big promotion as major changes expected in PCB's new central contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to announce its updated central contracts for the upcoming season 2024-25, with expected changes in player categories based on the latest performances and strategic changes.

However, the restructured central contracts may lead to downgrades for some players, but the PCB has confirmed that player salaries will remain the same. According to the media reports, Pakistan’s young fast bowling sensation, Naseem Shah, is likely to be promoted to Category A in the new central contracts.

Naseem Shah set for big promotion in PCB’s new central contracts

Shah's impressive form and growing prominence in the Indian cricket team are reportedly prompting the PCB to take the call. On the other hand, Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan, who has struggled with form recently, might see demotion in his contract category.

Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim are unlikely to get the central contract from the PCB for the next season, owing to their poor form. It is being said that the PCB conducted extensive consultations with the Pakistani selectors and coaching staff, including the white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten and red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, before finalizing the annual contract list.

The discussions have highlighted performance and fitness as crucial factors for renewing contracts with the PCB. Currently, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan are the prominent names in Category A. Naseem Shah’s expected promotion would place him among these elite players, marking a significant milestone in his career.

However, Nawaz and Imad could face challenges in retaining their places on the central contract list, which is set to be announced soon. Pakistan openers Imamul Haq and Fakhar Zaman are likely to retain their spots in Category B, thanks to their contributions across two formats. Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood is also expected to remain in Category B for the new season.

Category D will see major changes in the PCB Central Contracts

The media reports suggested that the most notable changes are expected in Category D, where both the category itself and the number of players included may see reductions. This rearrangement is part of the PCB’s broader strategy to optimize the central contract system and align it more closely with current performance and strategic needs.

On the other hand, the PCB has decided against issuing NOCs to all-format players for participation in various domestic leagues. They had initially decided to reduce player categories following the T20 World Cup 2024, but the advice from head coach Gary Kirsten, particularly regarding all-format players, has influenced this reconsideration.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed has openly challenged the Indian team to come to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In a viral video, Tanvir said that Pakistan wasn’t afraid to visit India in 2023 for the ODI World Cup; then why is India afraid to come to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025?

Tanvir lauded the Pakistan team for being "brave and fearless" for traveling to India to play cricket while extending an invitation to the Indian team to come to Pakistan for the upcoming mega event next year, reassuring them of their safety.