Rizwan declines to sign PCB contract
Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly refused to sign the new central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after expressing reservations over certain terms and conditions.
According to local media reports, the PCB had extended central contracts to 30 national players, categorising them into different performance-based tiers. Rizwan was placed in Category B, while notably, no player was listed in Category A this year — a rare move that has surprised many observers.
While all other contracted players have signed their agreements, Rizwan has withheld his signature, insisting that his concerns and demands be addressed first.
PCB rejects Rizwan’s demands
Sources within the PCB revealed that Rizwan had presented a set of demands related to the structure of his contract, believed to involve financial terms and performance clauses. However, the board has so far rejected his requests, and officials see little likelihood of revisiting the issue in the near future.
The disagreement comes at a time when the PCB is trying to streamline its player payment system and ensure parity across different formats. Under the latest model, players are paid monthly retainers along with match fees that vary by format — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Background: central contracts and player concerns
Central contracts are a key element of Pakistan’s cricket structure, designed to provide financial stability and reward top performers. Disputes over categories and pay scales, however, are not uncommon. In previous years, senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have also expressed dissatisfaction with their contract tiers or performance incentives.
Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in recent years, has been a crucial member of the national side in all formats. His decision not to sign could place additional pressure on the PCB, especially ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming international commitments.
If the standoff continues, the board may need to renegotiate or risk losing the confidence of one of its key players.
