The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made tweaks to the already-announced central contracts list, marking the promotion of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and the addition of young spinner Abrar Ahmed. In a statement, the PCB revealed that it has decided to name five additional players in the men’s central contracts list bringing the total number of players offered contracts to 30. The three-year contracts deal announced last month, will run from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026. The new inductions include Abrar Ahmed (Category C), Noman Ali (Category C), Tayyab Tahir (Category D), Aamir Jamal (Category D) and Arshad Iqbal (Category D). Sarfaraz Ahmed, former captain, was previously named in Category “D” but has been elevated to Category B. He is presently Pakistan’s first-choice wicket-keeper batter in the red-ball format.

He made his comeback to the Test side in December last year and has amassed 367 runs across four matches at an average of 61.16. Sarfaraz Ahmed was named player of the series for his three half-centuries and one century in four innings against New Zealand at home. Abrar and Noman, placed in Category C, have been regular Pakistan’s Test team members over the past year. Mystery spinner Abrar has picked up 38 wickets in six matches since making his debut against England in Multan while left-arm spinner Noman has taken 17 wickets in four games over the last 12 months. Aamir (4 T20Is), Arshad (3 T20Is) and Tayyab (3 T20Is) slotted in Category D continue to remain in the plans of the national men’s selection committee.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)