PCB unveils new central contracts model with greater emphasis on Test cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved a major overhaul of its central contracts system, introducing format-specific contracts and a data-driven evaluation process aimed at strengthening player development and protecting Test cricket.

The new structure was approved during a meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore.

Test cricket gets special status

Under the revised model, players will no longer receive the same central contracts across formats. Separate contracts will now be awarded for Test, One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International cricket, with Test players set to receive additional incentives and protections.

The PCB has also introduced dedicated pathways for each format, meaning players will have to meet specific criteria to qualify for a central contract.

‘Selection committee has a lot of work to do’

Speaking about the reforms, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board was introducing a system based on performance data rather than subjective assessments.

“The selection committee has a lot of work to do,” Naqvi said, adding that he was unaware of any similar system having been implemented in Pakistan cricket in the past.

Questioning the previous approach, he remarked: “Who has been consistently playing Test and domestic cricket over the last five years?”

Naqvi rejected suggestions that the framework was based on artificial intelligence, saying, “This is not an AI system; it is a data-driven system.” He added that “85 per cent of the central contract process will be database-based” and maintained that the initiative “should be appreciated” for introducing greater transparency.

He further said that only players meeting the board’s prescribed regulations and performance benchmarks would be eligible for central contracts.

Fitness and rankings to play key role

Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed acknowledged shortcomings in the previous system, saying, “We were also not satisfied with the central contracts structure.”

He noted that balancing Test, ODI and T20 cricket under a single framework had been difficult and announced that players would be ranked through an international evaluation system. Under the new structure, Category A will be reserved for Test cricketers, Category B for ODI players and Category C for T20 specialists.

PCB head coach Mike Hesson welcomed the changes, saying, “Cricket is changing around the world,” and added that the PCB was taking effective steps to improve Test cricket while creating “a good formula” for balancing red-ball and white-ball formats.

Meanwhile, Dr Javed Mughal said fitness standards would be strictly enforced. “There will be no compromise on fitness,” he said, adding that all players would undergo 24 fitness tests and regular screenings, with evaluations conducted every four months.