PCB to introduce separate limited-overs and Test central contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a much-anticipated move, announced the introduction of two separate central contracts for limited-overs (ODIs & T20Is) and Test players moving ahead for the first time since its inception.

The red-and-white contracts will be handed out to players with increased retainers and will come into effect from July 1.

The pool for centrally contracted players has also increased to 33 from 20.

PCB chairman Ramiz Raja explained that the spittling of contracts would encourage players to understand the importance of the longest format.

"We have four international events in the next 16 months, including two World Cups. This recognition of offering contracts to white-ball specialists will help us to eventually develop two separate squads, which could simultaneously be engaged in white and red-ball cricket. This will also allow us to have a bigger spread of talent to showcase to the world," the former Pakistan captain said.

The PCB's Board of Governors meeting, which took place on Thursday, also approved an annual budget of PKR 15 Billion for the fiscal year 2022-23, with 78 percent of the money assigned for cricketing activities.

In a statement released by the PCB, the BoG said, "As part of its strategy to incentivize, reward and encourage its high-performing elite cricketers, as well as to narrow the gap in salaries compared to players of other countries, the BoG has approved changes in the men's central contracts structure,"

Match fees across formats will also see an increase of 10 percent.

Non-playing members of the side will now get 70 percent of the match fee from their earlier value of 50.

The team captain will now receive an additional allowance as per the new ruling. 

Women cricketers, too, will receive a 15 percent hike in their retainers across categories.

Speaking about the further developments, Raja said that the board would establish a separate fund for players, which will aim to stop their top players from playing leagues across the globe.

"We want to discourage our elite players from signing up for additional off-season events. We feel the players are better off not going to these leagues. We will pay them 50 to 60 percent of the contract amount they are offered where required.

"This is a very important season for us. We don't want our players to be tired or burnt out. We want them to be ready and fresh to go for national duties.", Raja added.

The board has also created a Pakistan Cricket Foundation keeping in mind the welfare of former players, match officials, statisticians, and ground staff, who face monetary troubles.