PCB to keep central contract categories confidential after shift to new structure

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to reveal the players’ central contract categories under the revamped structure. The board has introduced a format-based contracting system, divided into five categories for specialist players in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Contracts to remain confidential

Players who will be part of both ODI and Test squads will be placed in Track AB, while Track BC has been introduced for white-ball players. The remaining two tracks, C and D, will be given to T20I specialists and emerging players, respectively. Players in Track C will also be given the freedom to pursue franchise cricket opportunities besides their national commitments.

"The board will not be disclosing how many contracts sit within each track. The number and distribution of contracts is a selection matter, reviewed each cycle, and not a fixed public figure," a paragraph in the document read.

Contracts linked to three assessment gates

The contracts will be awarded based on three ‘gates’, including Medical & Fitness, Domestic Participation, and Performance Assessment. Players will be required to be fit, have ‘active participation’ in the domestic circuit and meet format-specific performance criteria to be considered for contracts.

Domestic availability also required

While the board did not disclose what active participation means, it is understood that the PCB has conveyed to the players the minimum number of domestic matches they will have to play. The figure is expected to be around five first-class and 10 List A matches.

Additionally, players have also been instructed to remain available for domestic cricket during periods when there is no international cricket.

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