PCB announces men's central contracts for 2024-25 season, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi retained

Latest development has emerged where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has awarded central contract to a list of 25 players for the 2024-25 international season. These contracts became effectively applicable since July 01, 2024.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, in a media release, stated, "The contracts have been offered under the structure that was agreed last year between the players and the PCB for a three-year period."

Star batter Babar Azam has been retained as the top-most player for the men's team, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is also present alongside Babar in the 'A' category. Meanwhile, Test skipper Shan Masood is present in the B category, where pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are also on deck.

In a historic move by the PCB, five emerging players have been awarded a central contract as part of the board's strategy to incentivise, encourage and reward young and upcoming talents. These players have been placed in 'D' category and include Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan.

Furthermore, the category 'C' includes a total of nine players with the likes of Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, and Shadab Khan have also found a spot. It is also important to mention that 'D' category includes the most players (11) who have been awarded a central contract for representing the Pakistan cricket team.

PCB centrally contracted players for 2024-25 international season: