PCB prepares for contract changes: Mohammad Rizwan and Imam Ul Haq may be excluded from new central agreements
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PCB prepares for contract changes: Mohammad Rizwan and Imam Ul Haq may be excluded from new central agreements

Significant changes are being prepared in Pakistani cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering including new players in the central contracts for the 2026-27 season, while some experienced players may lose their positions.

Pakistan's head coach across all formats, Mike Hesson, recommended providing contracts to young athletes. His list includes 13 players. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the experienced wicket-batsmen Mohammad Rizwan and Imam Ul Haq may be excluded from the central contracts.

According to a PTI report received from Karachi, a high-ranking source within the PCB stated that Hesson proposed the names of several young players for the upcoming season. These include Arafat Minhaj, Saad Beg, Hasan Nawaz, Akif Javed, Ali Raja, Ahsan Daniyal, Sufian Mukim, Maj Sadakat, Rajoola, Azan Awais, Imran Randava, Abdullah Fazal, and Gazi Gori.

According to the PCB source, the board is still deciding on retaining contracts with experienced players. However, this time some senior players might be excluded. The source specified that Mohammad Rizwan and Imam Ul Haq will not receive spots in the new central contracts.

On the other hand, it is expected that the contracts of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sahibzada Farhan will remain valid. These three players lead Pakistan's teams in various formats. Additionally, contracts may be extended for Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Fahad Jama, and Saima Ayub. However, some of these players might have their contracts limited only to red or white ball cricket.

Mike Hesson places great emphasis on players' physical fitness, ability to implement the coach's tactics on the field, desire to improve their game, and behavior in the dressing room when forming central contracts. The source noted that Hesson aims to encourage young players who have demonstrated their potential and contributed to the team atmosphere by giving them good central contracts.

The old contracts expired on July 31st. The PCB has not yet announced the new central contracts for 2026-27. According to the board source, the delay is due to the evaluation of player performances. The PCB intends to decide which cricketers deserve new contracts after observing their play in current international and domestic tournaments.

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During his time in the IPL, Mishra played 162 matches and scored 174 runs. He took three hat-tricks: one against Deccan Chargers in 2008 for Delhi Daredevils, a second against Kings Eleven Punjab in 2011 for Deccan Chargers, and a third against Pune Warriors in 2013 for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Mishra announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on September 4, 2025. He was known for his diverse bowling style and excellent control. The three hat-tricks in the IPL are a unique achievement for him in this tournament.

At the age of 43, Amit Mishra played 22 Test matches, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20 Internationals for the Indian team. In total, he scored 156 runs at the international level. Although his last international match was in 2017, he remained active in club and domestic cricket. His last IPL game was in 2024 for Lucknow Super Giants against Rajasthan Royals, where he took one wicket and conceded 20 runs.

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This new phase for Amit Mishra at Delhi Capitals is particularly important as he returns to the team where he spent one season in the IPL. His task now is to help improve the spin bowlers' performance of the team and share his extensive experience.

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