Revolt in Pak cricket: Rizwan refuses contract; Will PCB's formula fail?

Karachi: The new policies of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are claiming to take the team to new heights, but will the rebellion of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan dash this claim? According to the report, Rizwan has flatly refused to sign the central contract, as he was pushed to Category B. He is the only one among the 30 contracted players who did not sign. This 'major overhaul' of the PCB—in which the elite Category A was abolished—is a sign of displeasure over the national team's poor performance last year, but has it become a game of breaking the players' trust?

Why did Rizwan reject PCB's contract?

According to the report, Rizwan has given a clear message to the board that he will not sign the document until his complaints are resolved. Not only is there the pain of demotion, but the wound of being recently removed from ODI captaincy is also fresh. The 33-year-old Rizwan, who is known for his consistency and drive, has reportedly demanded that Category A be reinstated for senior players. Also, the new captain—whoever it may be—should be given a clear tenure and full authority to implement his plans without interference. Will this demand become the biggest hurdle in the path of 'reform' of PCB?

What is Rizwan's place in the new category structure?

The PCB completely canceled the old elite Category A—which was reserved for seniors like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rizwan. Now the 10 key players, which include this trio, have been clubbed into Category B. The change reflects the board's displeasure over the team's recent flop show—especially in the past year. But Rizwan's standoff is keeping the contract on hold. Is the PCB ready to bow to this pressure, or will it deepen the instability of Pakistan cricket?

Rizwan's journey: Pain from captaincy to sidelining?

Rizwan has served as the backbone of Pakistan across all formats in recent years, but he has not made a comeback in T20Is since December 2024. His sudden removal from the ODI captaincy shocked everyone when Shaheen Shah Afridi was put in his place. This decision was not only a shock for Rizwan but also sparked debate among fans, experts and players. Are these 'leadership changes' and selection decisions of PCB making the team stronger, or just spreading confusion?

What will Rizwan's standoff bring to the uncertainty of Pak cricket?

The contract dispute is adding fuel to the current turmoil in Pakistan cricket, where recent changes have left everyone uneasy. The rebellion of a consistent performer like Rizwan is a warning shot to the board—will the PCB reconsider its policies, or will this conflict further impact the team's performance? The eyes of the fans are now fixed on this drama, because after all, cricket is won on the field, but these backstage battles can decide the future.