Babar, Rizwan likely to face 'demotion' from central contract A category

Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are likely to be demoted from the central contract A category due to the team's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, according to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The new selection committee, expected to be announced soon, will finalise the central contracts, but player salaries will not be reduced.

The PCB is working on a new central contract, with Shan Masood being considered for the Test captaincy and Babar Azam as a batsman in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. 

However, Mohammad Rizwan's chances of making the Test squad are slim.

The PCB had awarded three-year contracts to players last year, but the team's poor performance in recent tournaments, including the Asia Cup, World Cup in India, and series against Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, has led to a reevaluation. 

The central contract list categorises players into four categories.

Top players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the A category currently receive around Rs6 million per month. 

Players in the B category receive Rs4.1 million, while those in the C category get Rs1.75 million, and those in the D category receive Rs1.13 million per month.

The demotion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan would be a major blow to the team's leadership and a clear indication of the PCB's intent to shake things up after a dismal run of performances.