The PCB has revealed major changes in its central contracts structure, with a new track-based approach that will reward players based on their formats and roles in the international game.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and officials held a press conference, announcing that domestic cricket data is now included, medical fitness is mandatory for central contracts, and the unique requirements of each format are recognised.
Aaqib Javed emphasised improving the player selection process. He stated that new format-specific tracks replace the old category system, ensuring players know which format they are chosen for.
Performance-based categories are established for Tests, ODIs, and T20s, with a renewed focus on reviving Test cricket, where Pakistan has lagged. This system has been implemented domestically for a year.
The updated model will feature central contracts for both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricketers, under Tracks A and B.
The PCB will make specialist red-ball players a part of Track A in order to improve Pakistan’s Test cricket setup, the PCB said.
Players who are playing for Pakistan in One Day and T20 International formats will be allotted to Tracks B and C meanwhile.
Cricketers who exclusively feature in the shortest format of the game will be included in Track C under the new framework.
This was presented during a PCB briefing session in Lahore on the issues related to cricket.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is attending the session with senior officials of the board and members of the coaching staff.
Players from both the white-ball and red-ball side are also in attendance and discussions with the players are taking place regarding the future direction of Pakistan cricket.
The new system will also make it easier to differentiate the specialists of the various formats, and give more rewards to those that play both red ball and white ball cricket.
The alterations will aid in the streamlined management of players while allowing cricketers appropriate compensation for their performance in different formats, according to PCB officials.
More information on the financial terms of the deals, as well as on player categories, will be released after the end of the briefing session.
The transition is one of the biggest overhauls of the central contracts system in Pakistan over the past few years.
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