Major changes likely in Pakistan cricket central contracts

LAHORE: Significant changes are expected in the central contracts of national cricketers as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to revise its financial model ahead of the new cycle starting July 1.

According to reports, the current financial structure of central contracts will expire on June 30, after which a new contract system will come into effect.

The revised model is likely to introduce key adjustments in player categories, match fees, and overall salary structure.

The final decision regarding the financial framework will be taken by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is expected to approve the new policy in consultation with the board’s management.

During the tenure of former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, a financial model was introduced for 3 years in 2023, which was not changed during the tenure of the current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, but the categories of players were changed based on fitness and performance.

Last year, 30 cricketers were given central contracts, for the first time no cricketers were included in the A category.

Reports say that there will be a large-scale change in the new central contract; many cricketers in the central contract will be demoted and promoted in the categories.

The possibility of Muhammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, and Khushdil Shah being included in the central contract is low, while the possibility of domestic performers, including AzAan Owais and Abdullah Fazal, being included has been shown.