Lahore: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter and former ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign the new central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), demanding explanations and revisions before agreeing to the deal, officials familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
According to PCB sources, the board had offered central contracts to 30 national players, with Rizwan placed in the ‘Category B’ bracket alongside 10 other cricketers. Notably, the PCB’s new structure did not include any player in the ‘A’ category, a move that has reportedly stirred discontent among senior players.
Rizwan seeks clarity over T20 exclusion
Sources said Rizwan has set specific conditions before signing, including a formal explanation for his recent exclusion from Pakistan’s T20 squad. The PCB, however, has rejected his demands and insiders say there is little chance of the board revisiting the issue.
“All other players have signed their contracts,” one official confirmed, “but Rizwan remains the only holdout.”
Leadership controversy and tensions with PCB
Rizwan, who led Pakistan to series victories against South Africa and Australia, was removed as ODI captain earlier this year during the Test series against South Africa. The PCB abruptly handed over the captaincy to Shaheen Shah Afridi, a decision that drew criticism from former players and commentators, who called it “unfair” and “poorly timed.”
The wicketkeeper-batter’s refusal to sign the new deal is being seen by analysts as part of his growing frustration with PCB management over selection policies and leadership changes.
PCB under scrutiny
The latest standoff has placed the PCB under renewed scrutiny for its handling of senior players and lack of transparency in team decisions. Insiders say Rizwan’s resistance could influence other senior players, especially those unhappy with their downgraded contract categories.
As of Tuesday evening, the PCB had made no official statement regarding Rizwan’s stance or any further negotiations.
If Rizwan continues to hold out, Pakistan may face a fresh rift within its cricket setup, one that exposes deeper issues of player management and trust at the heart of the national team’s administration.
