LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced major changes to its central contracts system, introducing a new multi-track structure aimed at better categorising players across different formats of the game.
According to the PCB, the revamped model will divide centrally contracted cricketers into four separate tracks based on their roles, performances and format specialisation.
Under the new framework, Tracks A and B will include players who represent Pakistan in Test and One-Day International cricket. The board said the revised structure is designed to recognise the differing demands of international formats while ensuring players are rewarded according to their contributions.
Track A will primarily consist of red-ball specialists who feature predominantly in Test cricket. These players will be assessed based on their performances and importance in the longer format of the game.
Track B will include cricketers who are involved in One-Day International cricket, while Track C will be reserved exclusively for players specialising in the T20 format. The PCB believes this separation will allow for more focused player development and performance evaluation across formats.
Meanwhile, Track D will cater to emerging players from development programmes and academies. The category is intended to strengthen the pathway for young talent and provide promising cricketers with greater support as they progress toward international cricket.
The board said the revised contracts system reflects the evolving nature of modern cricket, where players often specialise in particular formats rather than competing across all three versions of the game.
Cricket experts view the move as an effort to create a more structured and transparent framework that aligns player incentives with performance and long-term development goals.
The PCB has not yet released details regarding the number of players in each category or the financial benefits attached to the new contract structure.
The updated model is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s talent development strategy and strengthening the national team setup across all formats in the coming years.