As the excitement for the upcoming cricketing events builds, significant changes are underway within the Pakistan cricket setup. This week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced new contract categories for its players, alongside squad selections for the limited-overs series against Australia and the tour to Zimbabwe.
Following their exclusion from the Test squad against England, seasoned players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah have been re-called for the white-ball matches in Australia. However, neither of them has been included in the squad for the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe, which poses questions about player management and selection criteria.
Interestingly, the selectors have introduced several fresh faces into both squads, suggesting a strategic approach to harness emerging talent. Notably missing from the Australia tour is Fakhar Zaman, who is presently under investigation by the PCB for his controversial remarks on social media supporting Azam during recent selection discussions.
FOLLOW OUR FB PAGE FOR LATEST SPORTS NEWS
At a press conference on Sunday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi unveiled the new captains for the limited-overs formats. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as the captain, with Salman Ali Agha assuming the role of vice-captain. This leadership change indicates a shift in focus toward nurturing a solid leadership structure for the national side.
ODI squad vs Australia: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
T20I squad vs Australia: Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan
ODI squad vs Zimbabwe: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir.
T20I squad vs Zimbabwe: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan
Given the context of player performance and results, the Pakistan team will treat the upcoming series against Australia—scheduled from November 4 to November 18—as a critical opportunity to showcase their top players in competitive conditions. Conversely, the squad for Zimbabwe aims to experiment with new talents and is set to take place from November 24 to December 5.
Upcoming Tours:-
Additionally, Pakistan’s winter cricket itinerary includes a tour of South Africa, where they will compete in three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Test matches from December through January. This is another chance for players to stake their claim for long-term places within the squad, particularly in the perspective of selection for future competitions.
Central Contracts Overview:-
In conjunction with the player selections, the PCB has revealed a new contract list that represents a significant restructuring. This year’s contracts, effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, have seen notable promotions and demotions among players, reflecting their previous performances, injuries, and overall contributions to the team.
ALSO READ- 5 Lessons to learn from Team India’s shocking series loss vs NZ
Category A Contracts:
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan
Category B Contracts:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Shan Masood (pending continued captaincy)
Category C Contracts:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Shadab Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Sajid Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Saud Shakeel
- Noman Ali (conditional on fitness)
- Haris Rauf
- Saim Ayub
Category D Contracts:
- Aamer Jamal
- Mohammad Wasim
- Mohammad Hurraira
- Mir Hamza
- Khurram Shehzad
- Mohammad Ali
- Usman Khan
- Irfan Khan
- Haseebullah Khan
- Abbas Afridi
- Kamran Ghulam
Among the noteworthy changes, Shaheen Afridi’s demotion from his previous position has raised eyebrows, with fans and analysts alike speculating about the rationale behind the PCB’s decision. Additionally, the notable exclusion of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Nawaz from contracts adds intrigue regarding the selectors’ focus on youth and potential over experience.
In an encouraging sign for up-and-coming players for Pakistan Cricket Team, five newcomers—Khurram Shahzad, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan—have been granted central contracts for the first time. This move reflects the PCB’s strategy of incentivizing emerging cricketers.
The coming weeks for Pakistan cricket are poised to be filled with opportunities and challenges as the players embark on international tours and aim for success both on and off the field. Following these developments, fans will eagerly await the performances and strategies that will shape the future of Pakistan cricket.