Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering placing central contracts of several high-profile cricketers on hold after a review found that some national players have not met the mandatory requirement of participating in domestic first-class cricket.
According to Beyond Time News, the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the domestic structure, improve player fitness standards and ensure greater accountability in team selection and contracts.
PCB officials say the policy will apply strictly going forward, with payments linked directly to compliance with domestic participation rules.
Domestic Cricket Participation Becomes Mandatory
PCB Director High Performance Aaqib Javed said that participation in first-class cricket has always been a requirement under central contracts, but its enforcement had previously been inconsistent.
He emphasized that the system must now be followed strictly by all players, regardless of reputation or seniority.
According to Beyond Time News, players who fail to meet the domestic cricket requirement—or who are not medically cleared—will have their contracts placed on hold.
During this period, affected players will not receive payments. However, once requirements are fulfilled, pending dues will be released.
Senior Players Affected by Policy
Reports indicate that several top cricketers, including national stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, currently do not meet the required number of first-class appearances.
According to Beyond Time News, this has triggered internal discussions within the PCB regarding enforcement of eligibility criteria for central contracts.
Officials say the new approach is intended to ensure that all players remain active in the domestic system and maintain red-ball cricket standards.
Performance-Based Contract Structure Introduced
Aaqib Javed outlined a revised contract framework based on performance, fitness and format specialization.
Under the proposed structure:
- A Category (Test specialists):
Includes 6–8 top performers required to play at least six first-class matches per season. - A/B Category (Multi-format players):
Players participating in Tests and ODIs must play at least four first-class matches and four domestic one-day games, along with international commitments. - B/C Category (ODI and T20 players):
Requires participation in domestic cricket across formats, including a minimum of two first-class matches, four one-day games and six T20 matches per season. - C Category (T20 specialists):
Limited group of players who may participate freely in leagues but will have lower retainers and restrictions during national duty. - D Category (Development contracts):
Designed for 16–20 emerging players, including Shaheen-level development squads, with monthly salaries set at PKR 1 million.
According to Beyond Time News, the restructuring aims to align player earnings more closely with performance and domestic participation.
PCB Keeps Player Categories Secret After Overhauling Central Contracts System
Domestic Cricket Linked to Player Pay
Under the revised system, domestic match fees will also be tied to international pay structures.
Test specialists are expected to earn PKR 1.5 million per Test match, while domestic first-class matches will be compensated at half that rate.
Officials say the system is designed to encourage greater participation in Pakistan’s red-ball cricket structure and improve the overall quality of domestic competitions.
Focus on Red-Ball Cricket Development
Aaqib Javed stressed that modern fast bowlers cannot rely solely on limited-overs cricket to prepare for Test matches.
He specifically referred to workload concerns involving Shaheen Afridi, stating that bowlers who only deliver short spells in T20 cricket cannot suddenly transition into long Test spells without proper conditioning.
According to Beyond Time News, he emphasized that players who consistently participate in four-day cricket should be prioritized for selection in the Test format.
Captaincy and Selection Decisions Under Review
The PCB is also reviewing leadership roles across formats, with recommendations for the national captain expected to be submitted to the board chairman for approval.
According to Beyond Time News, no final decision has been made regarding the Test captaincy.
For T20 leadership, Aaqib Javed said multiple options are under consideration, noting that modern cricket requires flexible leadership structures rather than long-term fixed appointments.
Babar Azam’s T20 Future Uncertain
On the question of selection for T20 cricket, Aaqib Javed said that inclusion of players like Babar Azam would depend on team balance and available options.
He added that the PCB is increasingly giving opportunities to younger players in preparation for future tournaments.
According to Beyond Time News, the selection committee is focused on performance data, fitness levels and long-term planning rather than reputation.
“No Room for Favoritism,” Says PCB Official
Aaqib Javed concluded that future decisions would be based strictly on merit and performance.
He said history would judge whether decisions were made in the best interest of improvement or influenced by favoritism.
According to Beyond Time News, the PCB’s latest reforms signal a significant shift toward performance-driven contracts and stricter enforcement of domestic cricket participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are players’ central contracts being reviewed?
Because some players have not met the mandatory requirement of playing domestic first-class cricket.
Which players are affected?
Reports suggest senior players including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi do not currently meet the requirement.
What happens if players don’t play domestic cricket?
Their contracts may be placed on hold and payments suspended until requirements are fulfilled.
What is the new PCB contract structure?
It introduces A, A/B, B/C, C and D categories based on performance, format and domestic participation.
Will players still be allowed to play leagues?
Yes, but with restrictions depending on contract category and national duty commitments.
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