Pakistan team changes as the PCB makes strict calls
The aftermath of the Asia Cup 2025 debacle has triggered one of the most aggressive rounds of discussions within PCB and called for Pakistan team changes. The PCB, under pressure from fans, critics, and internal voices, has rolled out a significant reset — touching leadership, contracts, selections, and disciplinary policy.
Major changes & shake-ups by PCB
1. Contract overhaul: no Category A players
Pakistan’s central contracts for 2025–26 removed the top “Category A” tier entirely. Even marquee names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were demoted to Category B. This move signals a tougher performance-based regime — no guaranteed elite status for past track records.
2. Discipline & NOC bans for overseas leagues
The PCB has imposed bans on No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players wanting to join foreign T20 leagues — targeting stars like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi. The move is widely seen as discipline enforcement and an attempt to prioritize national duty.
3. Selection reversals & recalls - "Bobsy" makes a comeback
Even as the team reevaluates youth pipelines, senior names are making a comeback. PCB has announced the 18-member squad for the South Africa home test series, which includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan. It underscores the board’s desire for experience in critical moments.
4. Captaincy & structural change talk
Talk is swirling that Salman Ali Agha could replace Shan Masood as Pakistan’s all-format captain. Whether this will be a full-scale shift or a test is still unclear, but the signals are strong.
5. Coaching continuity & stability - Azhar Mahmood as the Head Coach
Amid the churn, one relatively stable appointment is Azhar Mahmood as acting head coach for red-ball cricket. Previously the assistant coach, Mahmood’s elevation is part of the board’s attempt to bring greater continuity to team strategy and development.
6. Sarfaraz Ahmad might be the new Chief Selector replacing Aqib Javed
There are speculations that Sarfaraz Ahmad might be asked to act as the Chief Selector for Pakistan cricket team.
Do these changes make sense?
The removal of Category A contracts and tightening NOCs tells players that performance and availability will dictate their status of selection for the national team. Recalls of veterans signal that the board wants to balance youth ambition with proven leadership in crunch games. After a shaky Asia Cup, these bold moves are a statement to fans and critics that change is not cosmetic but structural.
