PCB Likely to Put Central Contracts of Star Players on Hold

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to hold back central contracts of star players who fail to meet the mandatory domestic first-class cricket requirement.

PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed said playing first-class cricket was already part of previous central contracts, but the condition was not properly implemented.

He said the system must be respected by everyone, adding that any player who does not complete the required domestic matches or obtain medical clearance will have their contract withheld.

During this period, players will not receive payments. However, their pending dues will be released once they fulfill the requirements.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are also among the players who currently do not meet the minimum first-class cricket requirement.

Aaqib made it clear that central contracts will no longer be awarded on seniority or reputation. Instead, the PCB will rely on data, performance impact, and fitness while finalizing the new contracts.

Under the proposed structure, Category A will be reserved for Test specialists, whose performances will be assessed in the longest format. This category may include six to eight top performers, who will be required to play at least six first-class matches.

Players in this category will receive Rs. 1.5 million per Test and Rs. 750,000 for each domestic first-class match. They will not be allowed to participate in leagues.

Players representing Pakistan in both Tests and ODIs will be placed in the A/B category, which will carry the highest value and remuneration.

They will be required to play at least four domestic first-class matches and four domestic one-day matches, receive half of their international match fee for domestic games, and be allowed to play one league per year.

The B/C category will include players involved in ODIs and T20Is. They must play at least two first-class matches, four domestic one-day matches, and six T20 matches in a season. These players will be allowed to participate in two leagues per year.

The C category will be reserved for a limited number of T20 specialists. They will receive the lowest retainer fee but will be allowed to play as many leagues as they want, except during national duty.

Aaqib also described the Category D development contract as the most important part of the structure. It will include 16 to 20 young and emerging players, including those from the Shaheens setup, who will receive a monthly salary of Rs. 1 million.