Mohammad Rizwan Refuses to Sign PCB Central Contract After Losing Captaincy Roles
In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly refused to sign the central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The decision comes shortly after the star cricketer was removed as Pakistan’s ODI captain and dropped from the T20I squad, marking a new low in the ongoing rift between the player and the board.
According to a report by Samaa TV, Rizwan is the only player out of 30 who has not signed the latest PCB central contract — a strong indication of his dissatisfaction with the board’s decisions over the past few months.
Mohammad Rizwan Hits Back at PCB After Being Ousted from Leadership Roles
Mohammad Rizwan, once seen as Pakistan’s long-term white-ball leader, has reportedly taken this stance as a form of silent protest against the PCB’s recent treatment of him.
Rizwan was appointed Pakistan’s T20I and ODI captain in 2024 following a poor run under Babar Azam. However, after Pakistan endured a string of disappointing performances in T20Is, the wicketkeeper-batter was stripped of his captaincy duties earlier this year.
What surprised many fans and analysts alike was Rizwan’s omission from the T20I squad altogether, despite being one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in the format.
Since 2021, Rizwan has maintained an impressive average of 48.60 in T20Is with a strike rate of 126.40, including several match-winning innings at the top of the order.
Despite this, the selectors opted for younger players and rested Rizwan for “rotation purposes,” a decision that seems to have fueled his frustration even further.
“Rizwan’s Protest is a Statement,” Reports Suggest
Sources close to the PCB claim that Rizwan’s refusal to sign the central contract is a clear message to the board.
“Rizwan feels disrespected after being stripped of captaincy and dropped from the T20I team despite performing well. His silence speaks louder than words,” said a source quoted by Samaa TV.
The wicketkeeper-batter, who remains a vital part of the Test and ODI setup, has not made any public statement yet. However, insiders suggest he is deeply hurt by the PCB’s handling of his demotion.
No Category A Contract for Any Pakistan Player This Year
In another surprising move, the PCB has decided not to offer any Category A contracts this year. Players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan have all been placed under Category B, reflecting the board’s dissatisfaction with the national team’s underwhelming performances across formats.
| Contract Category | Players Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | None | No player awarded A contract this year |
| B | Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi | Key players placed in second tier |
| C | Emerging & fringe players | Includes Saim Ayub, Abbas Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha |
The decision to leave the A category vacant is seen as a wake-up call for senior players, signaling that the board expects improved performances before offering premium contracts again.
“Just Because Rizwan Picked Up the Palestine Flag…” – Rashid Latif Criticizes PCB
The controversy gained further traction after former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif voiced his disappointment with the PCB’s treatment of Rizwan.
“Just because Rizwan picked up the Palestine flag, they sidelined him. He stood for a cause and is now being punished,” Latif fumed during a recent television debate.
Rizwan had publicly displayed the Palestine flag during the Asia Cup 2025, an act that drew global attention. While PCB has never cited this as a reason for disciplinary action, fans believe his outspoken nature may have contributed to the board’s strained relationship with him.
Rizwan’s Career at a Glance
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 31 | 1892 | 42.0 | 59.4 | 3/9 |
| ODIs | 78 | 2430 | 37.5 | 86.7 | 4/18 |
| T20Is | 94 | 2811 | 48.6 | 126.4 | 1/25 |
Rizwan remains one of Pakistan’s most consistent batters across all formats and has earned global praise for his work ethic, fitness, and calm leadership demeanor.
What Next for Rizwan and PCB?
With tensions simmering, the PCB now faces a delicate situation. Officials reportedly do not plan to consult Rizwan again regarding the contract, meaning he could officially miss out on the central contract for the upcoming year.
If the standoff continues, Rizwan might also explore foreign T20 leagues in the upcoming season, including potential participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) or the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Cricket analysts have called for the PCB to resolve the issue internally, warning that further alienation of senior players could destabilize the dressing room.
