“PCB to Shorten Central Contracts Duration Without Reducing Pay for Pakistan Cricketers”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant policy shift, reducing the duration of central contracts from three years to one, while maintaining the current pay structure for its players. This decision was made during a strategic meeting held in Lahore, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Key attendees included Pakistan’s new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, selectors Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and other senior officials.

This move comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, where the team failed to advance to the Super Eight stage following defeats by India and the USA. The PCB is aiming for a comprehensive overhaul of its policies to enhance the team’s performance.

A PCB official explained, “The selectors have recommended no change in the financial aspects of the central contracts. These contracts will now be revised into 12-month agreements, with players’ fitness, behavior, and form to be assessed annually.”

Previously, former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf had secured three-year contracts for players, ensuring no changes to the terms and financials for the duration. The new policy mandates quarterly fitness tests for all centrally and domestically contracted players, overseen by the head coaches.

In addition to fitness mandates, the PCB has introduced stringent guidelines for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players wishing to participate in foreign leagues. Only players who meet high fitness and performance standards will be granted NOCs, ensuring they are in top form for national team duties.

The PCB has also emphasized the importance of domestic cricket participation. All players must compete in domestic matches to be considered for national selection, with selectors closely monitoring their performance.

Disciplinary issues will be addressed with a zero-tolerance policy, and instances of players forming groups will be met with strict penalties to maintain team unity and morale.

Moreover, the PCB plans to enhance grassroots cricket by upgrading high-performance centers across the country. New centers will be established in Islamabad and Peshawar, with Gillespie and Kirsten overseeing these initiatives.

These changes reflect the PCB’s commitment to improving Pakistan cricket by focusing on player fitness, discipline, and domestic cricket involvement.