LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the introduction of a new and unique structure by making significant changes to its players' central contracts system.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi unveiled the new system at a press conference along with Director high performance, Aaqib Javed, head coach Mike Hesson and other officials
With the continuous evolution of global cricket, it was felt that evaluating Test and T20 cricketers on the same scale no longer aligns with reality, Naqvi said.
PCB has decided to play a leadership role in this changing landscape and, by abandoning the "one system for all" policy, has created a structure that clearly recognizes, prioritizes, and ensures the protection of the distinct identity, importance, and needs of each format.
While most cricket boards around the world still place all players in the same categorization and pit a Test specialist against a T20 franchise player for the same grade, the Pakistan Cricket Board, under the oversight of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has decided to introduce a model that acknowledges the distinct identity and priorities of each format. In the new system, not only have salary grades been changed, but an answer has also been provided to the most challenging question of modern cricket: how to keep Test cricket alive in the T20 era and ensure fairness for cricketers of every format?
Formal Identification of Cricket Formats
The most prominent feature of the new framework is that affiliation with a specific cricket format now has formal and structural status. Every player holding a central contract will be linked to a specific format pathway. Some pathways will be based on red-ball, i.e., Test cricket, while others will focus on white-ball or T20 cricket. The player's chosen pathway will determine what the Pakistan Cricket Board expects from them and what facilities and opportunities will be provided in return. This choice will be clear, documented, and carry practical implications.
The most important aspect is that this framework transparently defines the prioritization and deprioritization of different formats. In the new system, Test cricket has been given special protection. Since income opportunities for Test cricketers are limited outside of national duties, the central contract system has been structured in such a way that players associated with Test cricket can receive additional protection and privileges.
White-Ball and T20
For specialist cricketers in shorter formats, there will now be a clear and dignified path. No format will remain undefined. Each pathway will have its own requirements and opportunities. All formats have been formally categorized, and the prioritization system makes this framework uniquely positioned on a global level.
From Four Grades to Five Format Tracks
In the old system, players were divided into A, B, C, and D categories, which only indicated compensation levels. But in the new system, five distinct format tracks have been introduced in their place:
Track AB — Dual Format (Test and ODI)
The prominent players of Pakistan who form the backbone of the Test and ODI teams will be part of this format. This will be the board's premier category.
Track A — Red-Ball Specialist (Test Cricket)
Players associated with this format will be fully dedicated to Test cricket. The purpose of this track is to protect and promote Test specialists.
Track BC — White-Ball (ODI and T20 International)
Players who are specialists in limited-overs cricket will be associated with this format.
Track D — T20 International and Franchise Specialist
This category will be for expert players in short formats who will have greater freedom to play franchise cricket alongside national duties.
All tracks will be based on two fundamental principles: first, each player will be compared only with players from their own track. Second, each track will have two internal tiers, allowing for promotion or demotion based on performance. The Pakistan Cricket Board will not publicly disclose the number or distribution of contracts in each track.
A Historic Decision for Test Players
One feature of the new central contract system is that, for the first time, Pakistan's Test cricket specialists will be allowed to participate in the world's major first-class red-ball competitive leagues. This permission will be for red-ball cricket only, not short formats. The purpose of this decision is to provide Test cricketers with experience in the world's toughest first-class environments so they can improve further and represent Pakistan more effectively. Franchise T20 leagues will remain closed to this group.
Why Has the Pakistan Cricket Board Introduced This System?
In response to this question, it is essential to note that Pakistan operates in one of the largest markets in global cricket. Pakistani players are popular in franchise leagues worldwide, and rather than fighting this reality, the cricket board has decided to create an effective system in accordance with it.
In fact, the old central contracts system for Pakistani cricketers created two problems. First, a player performing well in short formats sometimes gained more benefits than a committed Test cricketer. Second, opportunities for advancement for Test cricket specialists were limited without standout performances in white-ball cricket. The new system eliminates both issues because each cricketer will be compared only with cricketers from the format they are associated with.
The next question is: how will cricketers qualify for central contracts? For this, they will have to go through a three-stage system.
Stage One: Medical and Fitness Test
A comprehensive medical and fitness assessment will be conducted for every player. The purpose is to protect players' long-term health and careers.
Stage Two: Participation in Domestic Cricket
To obtain a central contract, it will be mandatory for cricketers to actively participate in domestic cricket.
Stage Three: Performance Review
Every player's performance will be meticulously reviewed.
Accountability-Based System
The cricket board's new framework has been designed to make central contracts more transparent than before. Players will be evaluated based on their commitment and performance, and the board will be able to provide clear justification for every decision. This framework will take effect from the 2026 contract cycle and replace the previous system.