Rizwan Refuses PCB Contract, Demands Clarity on T20I Exit

Mohammad Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s most dependable players, has refused to sign the central contract. The reason? He wants answers for his T20I exit.

It’s not about money. Those close to him insist it’s about respect and transparency. The Rizwan PCB standoff now sits at the center of Pakistan cricket’s growing list of internal disputes. He just wants to know where he stands.

For context, Rizwan hasn’t featured in T20Is since March. Meanwhile, Babar Azam, who shared a similar fate, has already been recalled. That’s where the confusion deepens. Why one and not the other? Few in the camp seem to know.

Rizwan lost the ODI captaincy this month, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking over, surprising fans, especially after Pakistan’s series wins in Australia and South Africa under his leadership. Sure, the Champions Trophy campaign was forgettable, but removing him so abruptly raised eyebrows.

Now, as the only player yet to sign his contract, Rizwan stands alone. The board has stayed silent, at least publicly. 

Rizwan’s numbers as ODI captain are not too bad. He played 20 matches with 9 wins and 11 losses. A 45 percent win rate is not great, but not terrible either. Fans are divided. Some think he is standing up for professionalism, while others feel he picked the wrong time.

Whatever side you take, the story is not over. We will see how things go when the World Cup 2026 campaign starts in February.