In what has come as a stunning development, Pakistan captain Babar Azam and star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are at risk of losing their spots in Category A of the PCB’s central contracts, according to sources close to Geo News. This comes after Pakistan’s humiliating display in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, where they were knocked out in the group stage.
A T20 World Cup 2024 to forget
The news follows heavy scrutiny on the national team following a string of disappointing results, including a shock defeat to the United States and a squandered opportunity against arch-nemesis India. These setbacks ultimately prevented Pakistan from progressing to the Super 8 stage of the tournament, for the first time in nation’s history.
Pakistan Cricket
PCB eyeing demotion for Babar & Rizwan!
Like after most of their ICC tournament exits, Pakistan are once again in for a revamp. However, the news of Babar and Rizwan getting slapped from Category A has sparked major discussions. While demotion from Category A wouldn’t affect their overall salary, it would signify a significant drop in status within the PCB’s ranking system for national cricketers. The source also revealed that work on a new central contract system is underway, overseen by a revamped and “smaller” selection committee.
Pakistan Pay Grade 2024
| Category A | 1.6 crore INR |
| Category B | 1 crore INR |
| Category C | 63 lac INR |
Babar Azam, who has is currently Pakistan’s white-ball skipper, appears to be on shaky ground after the team’s underwhelming showing. Alongside Babar, there are currently only Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi in Pakistan’s Category A annual contract.
