Pakistan set for central contract changes as Mikes Hesson urges investment in young players: Report

Pakistan Central Contracts Prediction: Young Players Could Get Major Boost for 2026–27

Pakistan’s recent tri-series victory has reportedly strengthened head coach Mike Hesson’s case for rewarding emerging talent in the next round of central contracts. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not confirmed its 2026–27 contract list, reports suggest several young players could be considered for promotion, while some established names may miss out.

The potential changes come after Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the tri-series final. The tournament also featured England and offered the Men in Green an encouraging response to their earlier home-series defeat against Bangladesh. Pakistan lost only one match during the competition, with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi leading a side that showed greater confidence and intent.

Still, the reported contract reshuffle remains a prediction rather than an official announcement. The PCB is expected to assess players across formats and weigh recent performances, future potential and the team’s requirements ahead of a busy international schedule.

Young Players Reportedly in the Frame for PCB Contracts

According to reports cited by NDTV, Hesson has recommended a group of promising cricketers for the new central-contract list. The names reportedly include Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Hasan Nawaz, Akif Javed, Ali Reza, Ahsan Daniyal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Maaz Sadaqat, Razaullah, Azan Avais, Imran Randhawa, Abdullah Fazal and Ghazi Ghori.

Several of these players have attracted attention through their performances in domestic cricket and recent opportunities at the international level. Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas, in particular, are said to have impressed during the tri-series. Baig produced a composed contribution in the final, helping Pakistan negotiate a tense chase against Sri Lanka.

For selectors and coaches, central contracts can serve as more than a financial reward. They can give emerging players greater security, access to consistent training and a clearer pathway into the senior team. A stronger contract structure may also help the PCB retain promising talent and encourage competition for places across Pakistan’s batting and bowling groups.

Why Hesson May Be Prioritising Youth

Pakistan’s recent performances have highlighted the value of fresh energy and adaptable cricket. Younger players often arrive with fewer expectations from the public and media, which can allow them to play with freedom. Their inclusion could also help the team build depth rather than relying on a small group of experienced regulars.

That does not mean experience has become unimportant. Senior players remain essential for guiding a dressing room, managing pressure and setting standards. The challenge for Pakistan’s management is to balance those qualities with the need to identify players who can contribute over the next several years.

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Could Miss Out

The reported recommendations also point to possible changes among Pakistan’s senior players. Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are reportedly at risk of losing their central contracts. Both have had inconsistent involvement in the national setup and have not been at their best in ODI cricket, while recent squad selections have also raised questions about their immediate roles.

A contract decision, however, should not automatically be read as the end of a player’s international career. Central contracts and team selection are related but separate matters: a player can still be considered for future squads without holding a top-tier contract. Any final decision will depend on the PCB’s assessment of form, fitness, availability and the team’s plans in each format.

A source quoted in the report said some experienced players could be removed from the list this year, adding that Hesson wants promising youngsters who can add value to the team and dressing room to be rewarded. If accurate, that approach would represent a notable shift towards performance-based investment in Pakistan’s next generation.

Key Pakistan Players Expected to Retain Their Contracts

Reports suggest that the captains of Pakistan’s three-format teams—Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sahabzada Farhan—are expected to remain on the central-contract list. Other players reportedly likely to retain their deals include Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub.

Some cases may attract debate. Ayub’s reported retention, for example, could be questioned if his recent form is considered in isolation. Yet the PCB may also take account of his age, potential and ability to fill important roles in the batting order. Contract decisions often reflect a longer-term view than a single series or short run of results.

The final list may also be divided by format. Players could receive red-ball or white-ball contracts depending on where the selectors believe they can make the greatest contribution. Such a system would allow the PCB to support specialists while maintaining flexibility in a calendar that includes Tests, one-day internationals and T20 cricket.

PCB Decision Expected Soon as World Cup Planning Begins

The PCB has not yet released the new contracts, even though the previous agreements expired on July 31. Reports indicate that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and chief selector Aaqib Javed will review the recommendations before the final list is announced. With the next ODI World Cup on the horizon, the decisions could influence how Pakistan develops its squad and manages player workloads.

The timing matters because central contracts can help establish expectations around fitness, availability and preparation. A clear structure may also give players a better understanding of where they stand in the national setup. For newcomers, inclusion would provide recognition; for experienced players, a revised deal—or exclusion—could signal that they need to strengthen their case through performances.

Sri Lanka Test Series Offers an Immediate Test

Pakistan’s next assignment is a two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The series carries importance beyond the result, as Pakistan are near the bottom of the World Test Championship standings and need consistent performances to improve their position. It will also give selectors another opportunity to assess players in the longer format as they consider format-specific contracts.

For now, the reported list remains unconfirmed. The central-contract prediction points towards a possible renewal of Pakistan’s squad, with emerging players set for greater recognition and some senior names facing uncertainty. The PCB’s final announcement will show whether the board is ready to turn the tri-series momentum into a broader investment in youth—or whether it will preserve a more experienced core as Pakistan prepares for the challenges ahead.