Why Hesson wants Pakistan's senior stars dropped

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head coach Mike Hesson has proposed a significant shift in the team’s central contracts for the 2026–27 season, prioritizing young talent over several established senior players. According to board sources, veterans like wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan and all-rounder Imam-ul-Haq are expected to be excluded from the new contracts, marking a bold push toward a more dynamic, youth-driven squad.

Hesson’s selection criteria focus on fitness, adaptability, and a positive team culture, with players like Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, and Hasan Nawaz among those recommended for inclusion based on their potential and recent performances. While core players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are likely to retain their contracts—though possibly restricted to specific formats—the PCB has delayed the final announcement to evaluate ongoing performances in international and domestic competitions, with the old contracts expiring on July 31.

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