Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan Under Spotlight With Major Changes Expected in Central Contracts List

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce its new central contracts, with some significant changes expected to be made among the player categories including players like Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and others.

According to reports, fast bowler Naseem Shah looks set to join Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan in Category A to match his rising status as a mainstay in the team. Naseem’s impressive display in all three formats has made him one of the most important players in the national side.

Shadab Khan, on the other hand, may be looking at a downgrade in lieu of his underwhelming performances of late. His stocks have dropped massively after subpar performances in white-ball cricket.

The PCB has engaged in extensive talks with selectors and coaching staff regarding this issue with reportedly performance and fitness having been key areas to be focused on as the basis for any central contract considerations.

Despite the looming downgrades for some players, the PCB has maintained that player salaries will remain unchanged.

Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman as well as Test Captain Shan Masood are among the players expected to retain their Category B status. Additionally, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz are seen as players at risk of losing their central contracts entirely.

Lastly, Category D is rumoured to undergo significant changes as well, where both the category and the number of players within it may be at risk.