Goa, Aug. 19 -- Pakistan's new central contracts have sparked debate after Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were downgraded to Category B, with the PCB choosing not to award any Category A contracts for the 2025-26 cycle.

The contracts, valid from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, cover 30 players split evenly across Categories B, C, and D. While the PCB did not disclose financial details, it emphasised its "commitment to recognising and supporting national talent."

The demotion of Babar and Rizwan follows a series of disappointing performances in marquee events, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. By contrast, T20 skipper Salman Ali Agha earned a promotion from Category C to B, while youngsters Saim Ayub and...