The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Monday, introduced a significant overhaul of its central contracts system, unveiling a new format-based structure designed to reward performance, strengthen player development and provide clearer pathways across all levels.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the new framework during a press conference, alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, national selector and Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, and other senior board officials.
The revamped model replaces the traditional A, B, C and D categories with a five-track system that classifies players according to their role, format specialisation and stage of development.
Under the new framework, Track AB will consist of Pakistan’s premier multi-format cricketers who feature in both Test and One-Day International cricket. These players may also be selected for T20Is but will primarily be recognised for their contributions in the longer formats.
Track A has been created specifically for red-ball specialists, with the PCB aiming to strengthen Test cricket by providing additional incentives and allowing players greater opportunities to participate in overseas first-class competitions.
Track BC will include core white-ball cricketers who form part of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I setup, while Track C is reserved for T20 specialists and franchise players, offering them increased flexibility to compete in domestic and international leagues around national commitments.
Meanwhile, Track D will serve as a development category featuring emerging cricketers identified through the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and Pakistan’s domestic pathway system.
The PCB described the model as a first-of-its-kind structure in international cricket, with players to be assessed primarily against others operating within the same format pathway rather than across all formats collectively.
Speaking about the new framework, Naqvi said the board had developed a detailed assessment mechanism to ensure greater transparency in the awarding of central contracts.
“We have prepared a system where 85 per cent of the contract criteria will be data-driven, while the remaining 15 per cent will be at the discretion of the selection committee,” he said. The PCB chairman added that the new approach was designed to address concerns surrounding player evaluation at the domestic level and create a more transparent process.
“There were cases where players at the domestic level were not receiving fair recognition. We hope this entire process will now be transparent, and there should be little room for objections regarding how contracts are awarded,” he stated. Naqvi also confirmed that medical fitness would remain a mandatory requirement for players seeking central contracts.