The Pakistan cricket team is currently facing a precarious situation, having suffered two consecutive defeats out of four matches in a crucial series. The team’s performance is raising concerns, especially with the struggling form of their star player, Babar Azam. This article explores the challenges faced by the team, the noteworthy half-century by Babar against India, and the significant promotion of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in the recent Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) central contract.
Pakistan Cricket Team’s Dilemma
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The recent defeats have left the Pakistani cricket team lagging in the ongoing series. The urgency to make a strong comeback is evident, but the team faces a more significant concern in the form of Babar Azam’s unimpressive performance with the bat, except for a notable half-century against India. In contrast, Rizwan remains the only consistent run-scorer for the team.
Babar Azam’s Struggle for Form
Babar Azam, the captain, has not showcased substantial runs with the bat in recent matches, causing alarm within the team. The team heavily relies on Babar’s batting prowess, and his lack of form has been a cause for the team’s sleepless nights. The defeat against stronger teams has highlighted the weaknesses of the Pakistani side, adding pressure to the players and the management.
PCB’s Response: Central Contract Restructuring
In response to the team’s challenges, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken proactive measures by announcing a revamped central contract. This move comes after Babar Azam objected to the previous central contract before the World Cup. Despite the dissatisfaction, the players were sent to play the World Cup with hopes of addressing concerns later. The recent restructuring of the PCB central contract is a notable step to improve player motivation and address the team’s issues.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Promotion
One of the significant changes in the new central contract is the promotion of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed from Grade D to Grade B. This promotion reflects the PCB’s acknowledgment of Sarfaraz’s contributions and potential value to the team. The decision was made after discussions with Babar Azam, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, and head coach Mickey Arthur, and received approval from PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf.
Central Contract Grades
The new central contract categorizes players into different grades based on their performance and contributions to the team. The addition of five more players brings the total number of cricketers under the central contract to 30. Here is the breakdown of the grades in the PCB’s new contract list:
Grade A:
– Babar Azam
– Mohammad Rizwan
– Shaheen Shah Afridi
Grade B:
– Fakhar Zaman
– Harris Rauf
– Imam-ul-Haq
– Mohammad Nawaz
– Naseem Shah
– Sarfaraz Ahmed
– Shadab Khan
Grade C:
– Abdullah Shafiq
– Abrar Ahmed
– Imad Wasim
– Noman Ali
Grade D:
– Amir Jamal
– Arshad Iqbal
– Faheem Ashraf
– Hasan Ali
– Iftikhar Ahmed
– Ehsanullah
– Mohammad Harris
– Mohammad Wasim Jr
– Saeem Ayyub
– Salman Ali Agha
– Saud Shakeel
– Shahnawaz Dahani
– Shan Masood
– Taib Tahir
– Usman Mir
– Zaman Aamer
FAQ:
Q1: Why was Babar Azam dissatisfied with the previous central contract?
A1: Babar Azam had objections to the previous central contract before the World Cup, expressing concerns about its terms and conditions. The PCB sent the players to participate in the World Cup to revisit the contract later.
Q2: What prompted Sarfaraz Ahmed’s promotion in the central contract?
A2: Sarfaraz Ahmed’s promotion from Grade D to Grade B in the central contract was based on his contributions and potential value to the team. The decision was made after discussions with key stakeholders, including the current captain, Babar Azam.
Q3: How many players are now under the central contract for the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team?
A3: With the addition of five more players, the total number of cricketers under the central contract for the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team is now 30.
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In conclusion, the recent changes in the central contract reflect PCB‘s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Pakistan cricket team. Babar Azam’s struggle for form and the promotion of Sarfaraz Ahmed highlight the dynamic nature of the team as they strive for better performances in the remaining matches and future competitions.