Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to reveal player categories under its new central contracts system, marking a major change in how it handles player grading, according to Beyond Time News.
The decision comes after the board introduced a revised format-based structure that replaces the traditional A, B, C, and D categories.
New Track-Based Contract System Introduced
The PCB has replaced its old category system with a new model based on performance formats.
Under the new structure:
- Track AB: Players for both Test and ODI cricket
- Track A: Test specialists
- Track BC: ODI and T20 players
- Track C: T20 specialists and franchise players
- Track D: Development players linked with the National Cricket Academy
The board says the new system is designed to better match modern cricket requirements.
Player Categories Will Not Be Public
Unlike before, the PCB will not announce which player is placed in which track.
The board says this information will remain internal.
According to its policy, contract distribution is part of selection planning and not for public release.
The PCB also said the structure will be reviewed after every contract cycle.
PCB Honors Chacha Cricket as Pakistan’s Beloved Superfan Prepares for Emotional Farewell
Focus on Domestic Cricket
Sources say centrally contracted players will now have to play domestic cricket regularly.
Players will be assigned matches depending on their track.
Initial guidance suggests:
- About five first-class matches
- Around 10 List-A matches
The aim is to keep players active in domestic cricket when they are not playing international matches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Pakistan Cricket Board has already informed players about these requirements.
Players Still Eligible for All Formats
Officials clarified that players can still be selected for any format.
Even if a player is placed in a specific track, they can be picked for other formats if needed.
However, players must remain available for domestic matches when not on international duty.
Why PCB Made the Change
The PCB says the new system is meant to:
- Improve player workload management
- Strengthen domestic cricket
- Align contracts with modern formats
- Give selectors more flexibility
Officials believe the old category system was too rigid.
Background
Earlier, Pakistan used visible contract categories like A, B, C, and D.
These were publicly announced and often debated.
The new system removes public categories and keeps all grading internal.
Conclusion
The PCB’s new central contracts system brings a major structural change to Pakistan cricket.
While it aims to improve performance management and domestic participation, it also reduces transparency by keeping player categories confidential.
The impact of the new system will become clearer in upcoming domestic and international seasons.
FAQs
1. Why is PCB not revealing player categories?
Because the board says it is an internal selection matter, not for public disclosure.
2. What has replaced the old contract system?
A new track-based system linked to formats like Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
3. Will players still play international cricket?
Yes. All players remain eligible for selection in all formats.
4. How much domestic cricket will players play?
Around five first-class and 10 List-A matches, depending on their track.
5. Why did PCB change the system?
To improve fitness, workload control, and domestic cricket standards.
SEO Hashtags
#PCB #PakistanCricket #CricketNews #CentralContracts #PakistanCricketBoard #DomesticCricket #CricketUpdates #PakCricket #SportsNews #CricketReform #BeyondTimeNews
