Rizwan's Contract Standoff: Grievances and Demands Unveiled
Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has refused the new central contract, demanding reinstatement to Category A and clarity on captaincy roles. His decision highlights dissatisfaction following his removal as ODI captain, amidst changes by the Pakistan Cricket Board which abolished the top contract category, affecting senior players' standings.
- Country:
- Pakistan
In a bold move, Pakistan's star wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has declined to sign the newly offered central contract after being relegated to Category B. The exclusive Category A, previously reserved for top performers like Rizwan, was removed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, signaling dissatisfaction with player performances over the past year.
The board's decision to shift Rizwan and other senior players to Category B has not gone unnoticed. Rizwan, reportedly aggrieved by his removal from the ODI captaincy, has expressed his concerns, demanding a return to Category A status and seeking clear terms for captaincy assignments.
The cricket community is abuzz with Rizwan's stance, particularly after his surprise exclusion from the T20 format since December 2024 and his replacement as ODI captain by Shaheen Shah Afridi. The situation underscores a deepening rift between players and the board over contract and leadership management.