The PCB has disclosed the specifics of the Central Contract extended to 25 cricketers.

Image Source: PCB

"The PCB has disclosed the specifics of the Central Contract extended to 25 cricketers."

    "The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a three-year central contract deal with senior players, effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. This significant agreement will encompass 25 cricketers and involve a share of ICC revenue, as stated in a press release on the PCB website."

    "Unlike the previous year, the red-ball and white-ball national contracts have been combined into a single contract. This decision, recommended by the central contract committee, aims to assess players based on their contributions to winning matches and promote fairness and transparency in the selection process. The players will be categorized into four groups, with substantial increases in their monthly retainers. Additionally, revenue from the ICC will be included in their overall monthly remuneration."

Category A (3 players): 202 %

Category B (6): 144 % 

Category C (2): 135 %

Category D (14): 127 %

    "The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorized players for central contracts as follows:

Category A: Includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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

Category C: Features Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique.

Category D: Encompasses 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.

    "Additionally, players will experience significant increases in match fees, with a 50% increment in Test, 25% in ODI, and 12.5% in T20I matches."

    "Centrally contracted players participating in domestic cricket will receive 50% of the international match fee, and they can participate in two foreign leagues each season. The financial terms of the three-year contracts will remain fixed, but player performance will be assessed every 12 months. The new contracts, effective from July 1, 2023, follow extensive negotiations, with PCB Management Committee Chairperson Zaka Ashraf emphasizing the importance of player well-being and providing the best services to Pakistan cricket's valuable assets."

    "The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has emphasized its commitment to improving the financial well-being of players as they acknowledge their hard work and dedication. The PCB believes that financially secure and motivated players are more likely to excel on the field. They express confidence in the team's performance in the upcoming ICC Men's World Cup and stand behind the players."

    "Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam called the Central Contract offer a historic deal and expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, despite the challenging and lengthy negotiation process. He believes the agreement is fair and beneficial for both parties."

    "Chairman Zaka Ashraf received special thanks for personally overseeing and facilitating the negotiations for the Central Contract deal, with his commitment to Pakistan cricket being highly praised. This agreement marks a new chapter in players' careers and in Pakistan cricket, highlighting their dedication. The PCB Director for International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, emphasized that this deal recognizes the true value of cricketers on and off the field, thanks to visionary leadership and collaborative efforts from senior management, Babar Azam, and senior players. This Central Contract deal is seen as a historic and monumental step for Pakistan's cricket history, reflecting teamwork both on and off the field."