(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Likely to Revamp Central Contracts Ahead of New Cycle
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to introduce major changes to its central contracts for national cricketers ahead of the new cycle starting July 1.
According to sources, the current three-year financial structure—introduced in 2023—will expire on June 30. The model was initially implemented during the tenure of former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and has continued under the current leadership of Mohsin Naqvi.
Discussions Already Underway
Initial discussions regarding the new central contracts have reportedly begun, although the final approval of the financial structure will rest with the PCB chairman.
Last year, 30 players were awarded central contracts, and for the first time, no player was placed in Category A.
Expected Changes in Categories
The upcoming contract cycle is expected to bring significant adjustments based on player performance, fitness, and form.
Several players may be promoted or demoted across categories as the board evaluates recent performances in international and domestic cricket.
Players Under Review and New Contenders
Sources suggest that some senior players, including Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, and Khushdil Shah, may face difficulty retaining their central contracts.
At the same time, strong domestic performers such as Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal are being considered for possible inclusion in the new contract list.
Focus on Performance-Based Structure
The PCB is expected to further emphasize performance-based criteria in the new contracts, aiming to strengthen competition and improve overall team standards ahead of upcoming international assignments.
