Big blow to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam is likely to face category demotion in the central contract following the team’s blow-par show in the ICC T20 World Cup.

He is not the only one who will be penalised in for poor show in the tournament. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan could also be facing demotion for the A category.

Moreover, selection committee would also be dismissed in coming days.

The decision to demote the duo would be made by the new committee, which is expected to be announced in coming days.

Apart from that, Shan Masood is likely to be retained as red-ball captain, while Babar could feature as a batter in the upcoming Bangladesh Test series.

However, Rizwan’s participation the series is very slim and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is favourite to replace him.

The PCB had awarded three-year contracts to players last year, but the team’s poor performance in recent tournaments, including the Asia Cup, World Cup in India, and series against Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, has led to a reevaluation.

Currently, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are in the A category and are receiving around Rs6 million per month.

Rs4.1 million are given to B category players, the C category players receive Rs1.75 million, and those in the D category receive Rs1.13 million per month.

The demotion of Babar and Rizwan would be a major blow to the team’s leadership and a clear indication of major shuffle in the Pakistan system.