Pak players to see major change in contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to unveil its new central contracts, with significant changes expected across player categories.

According to media reports, fast bowler Naseem Shah is poised for a promotion to a Category A contract, reflecting his rising status and performance. Conversely, Shadab Khan, who has been struggling to maintain form, may face a downgrade. The PCB has concluded extensive consultations with selectors and coaching staff, including Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. These discussions have emphasized performance and fitness as critical criteria for contract renewals.

Despite potential downgrades for some players, the PCB has assured that salaries will remain unchanged.

Currently, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan hold Category A contracts. Sources indicate that Naseem Shah will join this elite group, marking a significant step in his career.

However, Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim may find it difficult to retain their positions in the central contract list.

In a strategic shift, the PCB recently refrained from issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to all-format cricketers for participation in various leagues. Initially, there were plans to downgrade players following the T20 World Cup.

However, advice from white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten led to a reconsideration, particularly for all-format players.

Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman are expected to retain their Category B status thanks to their roles in two formats.

Similarly, red-ball captain Shan Masood is likely to stay in Category B. The most significant changes are anticipated in Category D, where both the category itself and the number of players included may be reduced.

Mahmudul Hasan bowls BD A to win over Shaheens

Bangladesh A clinched a thrilling five-run victory over Pakistan Shaheens on the final day of the second four-day match on Monday in Darwin.

The two-match four-day series between the teams ends in a 1-1 draw

Bangladesh bowled out for 216 runs in their second innings, set Pakistan Shaheens a challenging target of 296.

The Shaheens started strong with a solid 96-run partnership between openers Haseebullah and Sahibzada Farhan.

Haseebullah scored a steady 51 runs off 120 balls, hitting seven boundaries. Sahibzada Farhan delivered a captain’s knock with 68 runs off 70 balls, including ten fours and two sixes.

Despite the strong start, the Shaheens began losing wickets rapidly. At 230 runs with seven wickets down, the pressure mounted.

Kamran Ghulam and Umar Amin fell for ducks, both dismissed by Rejaur Rahman Raja. Muhammad Irfan Khan added only 15 runs before being taken out by Hasan Murad.

Tayyab Tahir and Omair Bin Yousuf then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Tahir scored 43 runs off 97 balls with three boundaries before being dismissed by Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Yousuf added 45 runs from 103 deliveries, hitting four boundaries, before falling to Joy.

With Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shehzad at the crease, the Shaheens quickly amassed 57 runs, putting their team on the brink of victory.

However, Ali was dismissed after scoring 21 off 63 balls, including four boundaries, by Mahmudul Hasan, who claimed his fourth wicket.

With less than ten runs needed for victory, Hasan Joy struck again, taking out Khurram Shehzad, who scored 28 off 57 deliveries with three boundaries and one six. As Pakistan needed just six runs to win, Hasan Murad struck, picking up the final wicket of Faisal Akram, who departed after scoring just one run.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy was instrumental for Bangladesh, taking five wickets, while Rejaur Rahman Raja claimed three wickets and Hasan Murad accounted for two dismissals.

Joy was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.