Pakistan cricket is once again in the headlines. And this time, it’s not about performances on the field.
According to multiple reports, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan has declined to sign the Pakistan Cricket Board’s new central contract after being demoted to Category B.
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The move has sparked debate across cricket circles, with former fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed voicing strong support for Rizwan and questioning the board’s treatment of senior players.
Tanveer Ahmed defends Rizwan’s right to question PCB decision to demote his contract
Speaking on PTV Sports‘ YouTube channel, Tanveer said Rizwan was within his rights to ask why he had been sidelined and demoted despite his performances.
“If a player feels he is being treated unfairly, he has every right to ask questions. Rizwan must feel like he is being cornered — removed as ODI captain, dropped from T20s. Anyone in his place would ask why,” said Tanveer.
Tanveer added that Rizwan’s recent exclusion from both captaincy roles and the T20 setup reflects a deeper issue in how Pakistan’s cricket system handles top performers.
“If I were in his position, I would also demand answers. You can’t just bench someone of Rizwan’s calibre and expect him to stay quiet,” he said.
Rizwan’s contract standoff after being demoted from Category A
Rizwan is reportedly the only one among 30 players who has not signed the PCB’s new contract. The board recently scrapped the elite Category A, which previously included the likes of Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi, citing dissatisfaction with performances over the past year.
Rizwan has reportedly told the board he will only sign once his concerns are addressed. He is believed to have demanded reinstatement to Category A and clearer terms for captaincy roles after his removal as ODI skipper earlier.
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