LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a significant restructuring of its central contracts system, introducing a new performance-based model aimed at aligning player earnings with modern cricketing demands.
Under the revised structure, players will now be categorized into different tracks based on formats and roles. According to the PCB, Tracks A and B will include Test and One Day International cricketers, while Track C will be reserved for T20 specialists. Track D will comprise emerging and development players from academies and domestic pathways.
The committee announced that Track A will mainly consist of players who excel in red-ball cricket as it shows a focus on the game of Test cricket, but Track B and Track C will have players from both formats based on their performances.
According to PC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in an interview with the press regarding the new strategy, 85% of the player contracts would now be based on their performances. He further mentioned that the data of domestic cricket would also play a part in evaluating players.
“We are integrating data from domestic cricket as well,” Naqvi said. “Around 85 percent of contracts will be performance-based. Delivering results is a shared responsibility.”
Moreover, he pointed out that even though bilateral series had proved successful, there was still room for improvement regarding the team’s performance in big tournaments. He also emphasized that efforts were being made to rectify any weaknesses.
In addition, Naqvi supported the idea of conducting physical fitness tests in public. He highlighted the importance of transparency and stated that players would henceforth be compelled to play domestic cricket games.
“If someone does not play, there will be consequences,” he said, adding that the new framework had been designed in detail after extensive consultation and feedback from players.
The PCB chairman emphasized that players had been fully briefed on the updated system and that concerns over contract categorization had been addressed. “No player will now say they were not placed in a category or missed out on selection clarity,” he added.
The board said the new model recognizes the importance and unique demands of each format, describing the overhaul as part of efforts to align Pakistan cricket with modern international standards.
