PCB Reverts to One-Year Central Contracts for Players Amid Performance Scrutiny

Lahore, The Gulf Observer: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday its decision to revert to a one-year central contract model for the national team’s players, with contracts conditional upon performance. This decision follows the team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to advance to the Super 8 stage.

During a meeting of the PCB’s top officials, it was decided not to cut the players’ salaries despite their recent underperformance. The board emphasized the importance of player performance and fitness, stating, “The central contract’s tenure will be of a year. The players’ performance and fitness will be reviewed every year. Inclusion of players in different categories will be made under a well-defined process.”

The PCB also introduced a quarterly fitness check for all players and made participation in domestic cricket mandatory. Currently, Category A players, which include stars like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, receive Rs4.5 million per month. Category B players, such as Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, receive Rs3 million per month. Category C and D players receive between Rs750,000 to Rs1.5 million per month, including players like Imad Wasim, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Saim Ayub.

These figures represent only the monthly salaries, with players also earning match fees, win bonuses across all formats (Test, ODI, T20I), and sponsorship perks. The existing three-year central contracts, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, were awarded under former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf following player demands for increased remuneration.

In addition to contract changes, the PCB announced the implementation of a technical process for issuing non-objection certificates (NOCs) to players wishing to participate in foreign leagues. This comes after several top players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, faced challenges in obtaining NOCs from the board, impacting their opportunities to play abroad.

PCB Chairman emphasized the board’s commitment to maintaining discipline and unity within the team, stating, “The players will be promoted on the basis of their fitness and performance. There’s no place for players who do not fit the criteria. There’ll also be no compromise on discipline.”

The board has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline, particularly in light of recent incidents such as the altercation between fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during Pakistan’s tour of England.

“There will be a zero-tolerance policy for players who lack discipline. There should be unity and consensus within the team. Players involved in grouping will not be tolerated,” Sethi warned, adding that severe actions will be taken against players who engage in disruptive behavior.

This move by the PCB aims to foster a more performance-oriented and disciplined team environment, ensuring that the national side can meet the high expectations of their fans and stakeholders.