Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has declined the central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the 2025–26 season. The news comes shortly after his removal as ODI captain and exclusion from the T20I series against South Africa.
Rizwan has not yet signed the new contract, saying he has certain demands that the board has not yet met. He was one of 30 players offered contracts by the PCB earlier this month.
The decision has surprised many cricket fans, as Rizwan has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in all formats over the past few years. His leadership as captain was praised by teammates and analysts, but the recent changes in team management have raised questions about the PCB’s selection and leadership policies.
The board recently appointed Shaheen Afridi as the new ODI captain, while Rizwan was dropped from the upcoming T20 series. Rizwan was disappointed by the way the decision was handled and wanted the PCB to provide clarity on its plans for his future role in the team.
Reports suggest that PCB officials are in contact with Rizwan to resolve the matter and convince him to sign the contract soon. However, the situation highlights growing tensions between players and the board over management decisions.
Fans on social media have expressed mixed reactions some showing support for Rizwan’s stand, while others urging him to stay focused on his game and return stronger.
Whether or not Rizwan signs the contract, one thing is clear, his absence from the central contract list marks a significant moment in Pakistan cricket, showing how quickly the tides can turn in the sport.