The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to announce new central contracts, bringing significant changes across player categories. Fast bowler Naseem Shah is expected to be promoted to a Category A contract due to his improving performance, while Shadab Khan may face a downgrade due to recent struggles.
The PCB has held extensive consultations with selectors and coaching staff, including Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, focusing on performance and fitness for contract renewals. Despite potential downgrades for some players, the PCB has assured that salaries will remain the same.
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Currently, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan hold Category A contracts. Naseem Shah is anticipated to join this elite group, marking a notable advancement in his career. However, Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim may face difficulties retaining their positions in the central contract list.
In a strategic shift, the PCB has decided not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to all-format cricketers for participation in various leagues. Originally, there were plans to downgrade players after the T20 World Cup, but advice from white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten led to a reconsideration, particularly for all-format players.
Openers Imamul Haq and Fakhar Zaman are likely to keep their Category B status due to their contributions in two formats, and red-ball captain Shan Masood is expected to remain in Category B as well.
The most significant changes are anticipated in Category D, which may see both a reduction in the number of players and possible adjustments to the category itself.
