Pakistan cricket team hit by another storm, Mohammad Rizwan revolts against Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB

Synopsis

Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign his new central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being demoted to Category B. The wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly seeking clarity on his captaincy and demanding respect for senior players, adding to the ongoing chaos in Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign the new central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being demoted to Category B, according to a PTI report. Rizwan is reportedly the only player among the 30 contracted cricketers who has not signed the document.

PCB scraps elite Category A amid team performance concerns

In a major reshuffle, the PCB decided to do away with the elite Category A, which had previously included senior players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rizwan himself. The change is being seen as a sign of the board’s dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s performance over the past year.

Under the new system, 10 players — including the senior trio — were placed together in Category B. However, Rizwan has reportedly told the board that he will not sign the deal until his concerns are addressed.

Rizwan demands clarity and senior players’ respect

The 33-year-old’s refusal is said to stem from his unhappiness over the demotion and his recent removal as Pakistan’s ODI captain. Rizwan has allegedly demanded that the PCB reinstate Category A for senior players and ensure that the team captain is given “a clear term and full authority to execute their plans without interference.”

Contract standoff adds to Pakistan cricket’s chaos

Known for his consistency and fighting spirit, Rizwan has been a crucial figure for Pakistan across formats. Yet, he has not played a T20I since December 2024, and his ouster as ODI captain — replaced by Shaheen Shah Afridi — came as a surprise to many.

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His contract standoff comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is already dealing with leadership changes, selection controversies, and growing uncertainty — keeping fans and insiders guessing what’s next for one of its most dependable players.

Shaeen Shah Afridi appointed as Pakistan's ODI captain

Shaheen Shah Afridi was recently appointed as Pakistan’s new ODI captain, marking a major shift in the team’s leadership structure. The 25-year-old fast bowler, known for his aggressive bowling, replaced Mohammad Rizwan after the PCB decided to introduce fresh leadership across formats. Afridi’s elevation is seen as part of the board’s broader plan to rebuild the side following a string of inconsistent performances. His appointment, however, has stirred mixed reactions within the cricketing community, with some praising the move as a step toward youth-driven leadership, while others view it as yet another sign of instability in Pakistan cricket.

(Source: PTI)

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