LAHORE: Several Pakistani cricketers are expected to lose central contracts as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to revise its player list ahead of the new cycle starting on July 1, sources said. Jio is super On Thursday.
With the current contracts expiring on June 30, the PCB is reviewing performance, fitness levels and overall consistency before finalizing the new list of centrally contracted players.
According to sources, many players from the existing squad are unlikely to retain their place in the upcoming contracts.
Names of Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are said to be under consideration for removal.
In the 2025-26 central contracts, Nawaz was included in Division C along with Shafiq and Faheem, while Hussain and Khushdil were placed in Division D.
These players were part of the wider central contract structure in the previous cycle, but inconsistent performances and selection fluctuations are believed to have affected their retention prospects.
At the same time, the PCB is expected to reward emerging domestic talent, with players such as Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal being considered for inclusion in the new roster.
Their strong performances in domestic cricket have brought them into contention for central contracts for the first time.
Sources further indicated that the board may also adjust the categories for several currently contracted players and possible promotions and demotions are expected depending on recent form and fitness criteria.
A final announcement is expected once PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi approves the revised structure, which will significantly alter Pakistan’s central contract landscape for the upcoming season.