PCB announces central contracts for Pakistan Cricket Team; 25 players included

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced central contract list with 4 different categories.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a three-years central contract list of players that will run from July 1st, 2023, to June 30th, 2026. This also ends the long standoff between Pakistan Cricket Board and players before ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Earlier, the players had complained of not getting the payment and threatened to boycott the sponsor's event in upcoming tournaments. A total of 25 players have been chosen as contracted PCB players for the next three years.

Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen in Category A

A total of 25 players will be divided into 4 categories. Category A consists of only three players, captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi. Category B has six players, while Category C consists of only two, and the rest of the 14 remaining players are put in Category D. Players’ match fee has also been increased to 50% in tests, 25% in ODIs, and 12.5% in T20Is. In addition, centrally contracted players taking part in domestic games will get 50% of the international match fee.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf informed the press through a press release that it was a lengthy negotiation between the board and players. Ashraf said, “I am pleased to announce that after lengthy negotiations, the PCB has come to a final agreement with the players. We believe that our players are the true assets of Pakistan cricket, and it is our top priority to ensure their well-being and provide them with the best possible services.”

Captain Babar Azam happy after negotiations

Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has also called the deal historical and said, “It is a historic deal. I am extremely happy and satisfied that we have reached an agreement with the PCB. It has been a lengthy and at times challenging negotiation process, but I believe we have reached a fair and beneficial agreement for both parties.” Pakistan team are currently in India to take part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. They will open their campaign against Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.

Category A: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi

Category B: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan

Category C: Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique

Category D: Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan