Mohammad Rizwan’s shock move embarrasses PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, triggers major crisis in Pakistan cricket

Star wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly refused to sign the central contract offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has sought an explanation regarding his exclusion from the T20I squad, Samaa TV reported. The report indicates that Rizwan has requested the PCB to explain the reasons for his ongoing absence from Pakistan’s T20 squad. Additionally, various local media outlets stated that the 32-year-old player had set other conditions before accepting the new contract, but these conditions were not disclosed.

Rizwan is said to be the only player who is yet to finalize the PCB’s updated central contract. His ouster as Pakistan’s ODI captain earlier this year paved the way for Shaheen Shah Afridi to take over the leadership role. The board did not provide any explanation for this change and Rizwan’s name was conspicuously missing from the official announcement.

According to the PCB, a meeting was held in Islamabad to select the new captain, attended by the selection committee and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. Rizwan’s sacking seemed inevitable after the board refused to confirm him as captain ahead of the white-ball portion of the tour to South Africa. Later, the PCB announced that Hesson had requested a meeting between the selection and advisory committees, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, to determine a new captain.

An ESPNCricinfo report later stated that Rizwan’s dismissal was not Hesson’s decision alone, but rather had wider support from the PCB’s top decision-making bodies.

Earlier this year, Rizwan was among 30 players shortlisted for Pakistan’s updated central contracts. However, the board chose not to offer a Category A contract to any players during this cycle, instead implementing a revised wage structure.

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