Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali promoted to Category A in Pakistan’s central contract list

Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali are among twelve players who have been granted promotions in the 20-player contract list released by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The latter has managed to earn a place in the highest-earning Category A contract list, following fine performances since the start of the year. He was not contracted last year due to injury. Hasan has accounted for 40 dismissals in 11 matches so far across formats, since his comeback into the side in 2021. The all-rounder has been the leading wicket-taker in international cricket for the national team in 2021.

Rizwan has been one of the top performers for Pakistan in recent times, with his captaincy in the PSL drawing plaudits. He led Multan Sultans to their maiden title, in the last edition.

Fawad Alam and Fakhar Zaman have received promotions to Category B. Azhar Ali has been downgraded from the previous year’s Category A spot to B. Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Nauman Ali are some of the new faces to be handed a contract in 2021-22. The 12-month contracts will run from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

“The door remains firmly open for players who missed out”

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan expressed his sadness after nine players missed out on contracts.

“Selecting 20 players amongst a big pool of quality cricketers is always a challenging task. I would like to thank the panel for their diligent work in selecting the 2021-22 central contract list. In the new list, we have seen eight new players emerge who have now gained central contracts. Due to the competitive nature of the central contract system, nine players who had contracts have sadly missed out. The door remains firmly open for these players and they will continue to remain in the plans of the selectors. Emerging Category recognises and rewards the up and coming talent,” said PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan.

“We have seen the emergence of Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain move from an Emerging Category to Category C, and the likes of Imran Butt, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir breaking into the Emerging Category. The Emerging Category remains a platform for young players to break into the central contract system. Despite the challenging economic climate, we as the Pakistan Cricket Board believe that it is important to continue to show advancement in the value of central contracts,” he added.

Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been handed Category A in the Contract list. Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Fawad Alam, Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah comprise Category B. Category C: Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali and Sarfaraz Ahmed. Emerging Category: Imran Butt, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir.