PCB Central Contracts 2025–26 – Salaries Increased for Pakistan Cricket Players

The new PCB central contracts 2025–26 have been announced, bringing fresh opportunities for emerging cricketers while leaving senior players in Category B with no pay raise. The announcement has already stirred debate among fans, experts, and the cricketing fraternity.

PCB Increases Salary For Category C and D Players

Under the new central contracts, Category C players will now earn PKR 2.5 million per month, up from PKR 2 million. Similarly, Category D players will receive PKR 1.5 million, an increase of PKR 300,000.

This pay hike rewards upcoming Pakistan cricket players, giving them financial stability and encouraging healthy competition for national team spots.

One of the biggest talking points is that Category B players, including Pakistan’s leading stars such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan, will not see any salary increase.

The unchanged PCB salary structure for senior cricketers has sparked criticism, with many believing it undervalues the contributions of Pakistan’s most experienced performers.

Why PCB Central Contracts Have No Category A Players

The 2025–26 PCB contracts list does not feature a Category A bracket for the first time in years. This has raised questions about whether PCB feels no Pakistani player currently qualifies as an undisputed world-class superstar.

Analysts argue that Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi could have easily commanded Category A recognition, yet the board has kept them in Category B. Critics suggest this decision might impact player morale and sends out a strong message that performance will be valued over reputation.

The PCB contracts list 2025–26 has expanded to 30 players, compared to 27 last year. A total of 12 new players have been added, including Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

By giving opportunities to new faces, PCB aims to build squad depth and prepare Pakistan cricket for upcoming international tours and ICC events.

Promotions and Retentions in Central Contracts

Five players have earned promotions from Category C to Category B, including Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan.

Meanwhile, consistent performers like Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali have retained their spots in Category C. Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading fast bowler, continues in Category B.

Players Dropped from PCB Central Contracts 2025–26

Not everyone was lucky enough to make the cut. Eight cricketers have been dropped from the latest central contracts, including Aamer Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, and Usman Khan.

Their exclusion highlights the intense competition and PCB’s focus on rewarding only those who consistently deliver.

Full Players Central Contracts 2025–26 List

How PCB Central Contracts 2025–26 Could Shape Pakistan Cricket

The new PCB central contracts reflect a major shift in strategy. By raising salaries for Category C and Category D players while leaving Category B unchanged, PCB is pushing seniors to perform and giving youngsters greater incentives.

The lack of Category A players is the biggest headline — a bold statement that no Pakistan cricket star currently meets the highest standard. Whether this motivates the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi or creates discontent remains to be seen.

What’s clear is that PCB has placed performance above reputation. Only those who shine consistently on the field will move up the ladder in future central contracts.