The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced its revised list of central contracts, which saw former captain Babar Azam and current ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan demoted to Category ‘B’.

The development comes shortly after Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement, where both players faced scrutiny over form and leadership roles. The downgrade is being viewed as a significant step by the PCB, signalling a reshuffle in its approach towards senior players.

The contract reclassification is expected to spark debate among cricketing circles, with many questioning the timing and possible impact on team morale ahead of upcoming international fixtures.