(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Likely to Withhold Central Contracts for Players Not Meeting Domestic Requirements
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering withholding central contracts of players who do not fulfill the mandatory domestic first-class cricket requirements, according to reports.
PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed stated that participation in first-class cricket was already part of previous contract conditions, but the rule was not consistently enforced in the past. He added that the system must now be strictly followed by all players.
Under the proposed policy, players who fail to complete the required domestic matches or do not obtain medical clearance may have their contracts delayed or withheld. However, any pending payments would be released once the requirements are fulfilled.
The report also indicates that some senior players, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, currently do not meet the minimum first-class participation criteria.
Aqib Javed emphasized that future central contracts will not be based on seniority or reputation alone. Instead, performance data, fitness levels, and match impact will play a key role in selection.
The proposed structure includes multiple categories for players based on format specialization and performance:
Category A is expected to include leading Test performers, who will be required to play a minimum number of first-class matches and will be evaluated primarily on Test cricket performance.
Players involved in both Test and ODI formats may fall under a combined A/B category, with additional domestic match requirements and controlled participation in franchise leagues.
Category B/C will include ODI and T20 players, with obligations to participate in domestic matches across formats, along with limited availability for overseas leagues.
Category C is expected to include T20 specialists, who may have more flexibility to participate in franchise leagues while remaining available for national duty.
A Category D development contract will focus on young and emerging players, including those from the Pakistan Shaheens setup, and will provide structured financial support and development opportunities.
The PCB has not yet officially finalized the new central contracts structure, but discussions are ongoing as part of wider reforms in domestic and international cricket planning.
