The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced major changes to its players' central contracts system, introducing a new format-specific structure after abandoning the 'one system for all' policy.
New Data-Driven Approach
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the board is transitioning to a more data-driven central contracts system, with fitness, domestic performance, and format-specific requirements forming the basis of player assessment. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized that the selection committee has "a lot of work to do" as the board aims to improve Pakistan cricket and bring greater transparency to player contracts.
Naqvi remarked that he was unaware if the previous system had been followed for decades, adding that the board is now closely examining recent performances. "If this work had been going on for 70 years, then it was not in my knowledge," he said. The PCB is reviewing which players have played Test and domestic cricket over the past five years to make the contracts process more balanced.
Addressing Tournament Performances
The chairman noted that the new model should not be confused with artificial intelligence but rather appreciated. He acknowledged that Pakistan's performances in tournaments remain a concern. "It is absolutely our responsibility to improve cricket. Our cricket team's performance is better in series, but in tournaments, our team collapses. Work is now being done on this," he added.
Naqvi said he remains in contact with former cricketers and will seek input from all stakeholders for the betterment of the game. The board is in touch with Younis Khan and other former players.
Ending Debate on Contract Categories
Naqvi highlighted that central contracts have often sparked debate over why one player is placed in Category B and another in Category C. "Earlier, there used to be debate on central contracts over why someone got B and why someone got C. Now, 85% of the central contract has gone into the hands of the computer," he said. Domestic cricket data is being included in the system to make contract decisions more transparent and performance-based.
PCB's Official Statement
A statement by PCB confirmed: "Under the leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB has announced the introduction of a new and unique structure by making significant changes to its players' central contracts system." The board stated that the move reflects the changing demands of international cricket, where Test and T20 players can no longer be evaluated under the same criteria.
The previous "one system for all" approach no longer fits the realities of the modern game, where each format requires a different skill set, workload, career pathway, and professional focus. The new model aims to recognize the separate identity and importance of each format while protecting the specific needs of players who specialize in Test cricket, T20 cricket, or other formats.
"While most cricket boards around the world still place all players in the same categorisation and pit a Test specialist against a T20 franchise player for the same grade, the PCB, under the oversight of Chairman Naqvi, has decided to introduce a model that acknowledges the distinct identity and priorities of each format," the statement concluded.
