Pakistan to Build Separate Teams for Each Format

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) newly introduced format-based central contracts are the first step toward building separate squads for Test, ODI and T20I cricket, according to Director of High Performance Aqib Javed.

Speaking about the new model, Aqib said modern cricket no longer allows the same players to approach all three formats in the same way, adding that Pakistan will eventually need dedicated teams for each format.

He said the immediate priority is to separate the Test and T20 sides, arguing that the two formats demand entirely different skill sets and preparation. According to him, the new contract structure has been designed to push players toward format specialization rather than expecting them to divide their focus equally across red-ball and white-ball cricket.

Aqib said the previous contract system often failed to account for these differences, with Test specialists being measured against players active in T20 cricket despite the contrasting demands of both formats. Under the revised model, players will be assessed and paid within their own categories.

He said top performers in the Test category could earn up to Rs. 4 million per month, while others in the same bracket would receive between Rs. 3 million and Rs. 3.5 million. Salaries in the Test-ODI category could go as high as Rs. 4.8 million per month.

The new structure also links contracts to domestic participation. Players in the Test category must feature in at least six first-class matches, while those in the Test-ODI bracket will need four first-class and four List A appearances. ODI-T20 players must play at least two List A matches and 10 domestic T20 games.

Aqib also outlined separate No Objection Certificate rules under the system. Test players may be allowed to play overseas four-day cricket, Test-ODI players could receive permission for one franchise league, while ODI-T20 players may get up to two NOCs.

T20-only players will be required to play domestic T20 cricket but can otherwise remain available for franchise competitions.

He said a proposed D Category of 16 to 20 emerging players would be a key part of the model, with those players to be developed early according to the format best suited to them.

Aqib also indicated that changes in Pakistan’s T20I side are likely ahead of upcoming events, including the Asia Cup, and warned that players who do not meet domestic participation requirements could see their contracts put on hold.

He said the purpose of the new system is to enforce commitment, improve development, and steer players toward the formats where they can contribute most effectively, while still leaving room for national selection across formats when needed.