Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) latest central contract list, calling it unfair, inconsistent, and damaging for the future of Test cricket in Pakistan. His remarks have sparked debate in cricketing circles about the importance of red-ball cricket, player recognition, and the direction of Pakistan’s cricketing priorities.
Hafeez Expresses Shock Over Category Selections
Mohammad Hafeez, who represented Pakistan in all three formats for nearly two decades, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns. He questioned why the PCB chose not to place any player in Category A, which traditionally represents the top-performing cricketers in the national setup.
Even more surprising for him was the treatment of the Test captain, who, according to Hafeez, was unfairly downgraded to Category D. This decision, Hafeez argued, not only undermines the leadership of the Test side but also shows the declining prestige of Test cricket in the country.
“How can a captain of the Pakistan Test team, who carries the nation’s pride in the longest format, be placed in such a low category?” Hafeez asked in his statement.
Concerns for Key Test Players
Hafeez did not stop at the Test captain’s demotion. He also highlighted the placement of several crucial players, including Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Saud Shakeel, in Category C.
- Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, both spinners, have been instrumental in Pakistan’s recent Test victories, particularly in subcontinental conditions.
- Saud Shakeel, on the other hand, has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most reliable Test batsmen in recent years, scoring consistently against top opposition.
Hafeez argued that rewarding such players with a lower category contract sends the wrong message, diminishing the value of their contributions and discouraging upcoming cricketers from prioritizing red-ball cricket.
PCB’s Central Contract Structure – An Overview
The PCB’s central contract system is divided into categories ranging from A to D (and sometimes E), with Category A offering the highest financial rewards and recognition. Players are placed in categories based on performance, consistency, and their role in the national team.
- Category A: Reserved for elite performers – usually captains, star batsmen, or top bowlers.
- Category B: High-performing regular players.
- Category C: Fringe or upcoming players with potential.
- Category D: Emerging cricketers, squad members, or those with inconsistent performances.
In the latest announcement, 30 players were given contracts, but the absence of any Category A players shocked both fans and analysts. Even more oddly, Category E was completely excluded, leaving a gap in the structure.
Why Test Cricket Is Losing Value
Hafeez linked the PCB’s controversial decisions to a broader decline in Test and first-class cricket in Pakistan. He argued that the board’s emphasis on white-ball formats, particularly T20 cricket, has overshadowed the value of the red-ball game.
Reasons Behind Decline of Test Cricket in Pakistan
- Financial Incentives: T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and overseas competitions, offer far greater financial rewards than Test cricket.
- Board Policies: Contracts and team selections often prioritize limited-overs performance over red-ball consistency.
- Spectator Interest: With shorter attention spans, many fans prefer T20s, leaving stadiums half-empty for Test matches.
- Broadcasting Revenues: TV channels and streaming services invest more in limited-overs series, reducing the commercial appeal of Test cricket.
Hafeez believes that if PCB does not reverse this trend, Pakistan risks losing its Test cricket legacy, once built by legends like Hanif Mohammad, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, and Wasim Akram.
Reactions From Cricket Experts
Hafeez’s comments have triggered strong reactions in cricketing circles.
- Former cricketers like Rashid Latif and Shoaib Akhtar have also criticized PCB policies in the past, warning that the future of Test cricket is in danger.
- Sports analysts argue that the omission of players from higher categories shows a lack of planning and vision within the board.
- Fans on social media have expressed disappointment, with many suggesting that Pakistan cricketers might prefer T20 leagues abroad if the board continues to undervalue Test performers.
The Importance of Test Cricket for Pakistan
Test cricket has historically been Pakistan’s strongest format. Pakistan’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s was largely built on the back of Test victories against top nations.
- In 1987, Pakistan defeated India in a historic series win on Indian soil.
- In 1992, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis dominated Test cricket with their reverse swing mastery.
- In 2016, under Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan briefly rose to World No. 1 in Test rankings, proving their caliber in the longest format.
For a nation with such a legacy, the marginalization of Test cricket through poor central contract policies raises serious concerns about the preservation of tradition and competitiveness.
PCB’s Possible Defense
While Hafeez’s criticism has gained traction, PCB insiders argue that the decision may have been based on:
- Performance Benchmarks – Some players may not have met consistent performance criteria across all formats.
- Financial Constraints – With declining revenues, PCB may have adjusted contract categories to manage costs.
- New Strategy – The board might be planning a performance-based bonus system instead of relying solely on contract categories.
However, critics insist that such justifications do not excuse the lack of recognition for Test stalwarts.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Formats
Modern cricket boards worldwide face a constant battle between formats. The rise of T20 leagues, including the IPL, BBL, CPL, and PSL, has drawn players away from international Test commitments. Countries like West Indies have already suffered due to players prioritizing franchise leagues.
Pakistan now faces a similar challenge:
- If Test cricket continues to lose importance, young cricketers may stop aspiring to play the five-day game.
- This could result in weaker performances in World Test Championships and loss of ranking points.
- Ultimately, Pakistan’s global reputation as a balanced cricketing nation could be at risk.
Hafeez’s Call for Action
Mohammad Hafeez has urged PCB to:
- Re-evaluate the contract system to properly reward Test players.
- Place deserving performers like Saud Shakeel in higher categories.
- Restore the prestige of Category A by including captains and star performers.
- Strengthen domestic first-class cricket, ensuring players see it as a pathway to glory.
- Introduce better financial incentives for Test cricketers to compete with T20 league salaries.
Conclusion
Mohammad Hafeez’s criticism of the PCB central contract list highlights a deeper issue in Pakistan cricket – the decline in respect for Test cricket. By keeping the Test captain in Category D and pushing key performers like Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Saud Shakeel into lower categories, the PCB risks sending a message that red-ball cricket no longer matters.
For Pakistan, a country with a proud Test legacy, this could be a dangerous precedent. If immediate reforms are not made, the board may not only lose talented Test players but also undermine the nation’s standing in world cricket.
The debate sparked by Hafeez may serve as a wake-up call for PCB to balance financial, commercial, and sporting priorities – ensuring that Test cricket remains the ultimate stage for Pakistani cricketers.
