PCB introduces new central contracts system for Pakistan cricketers

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced major changes to its central contracts system by introducing a new format-based structure designed to reward performance, strengthen player development and provide clearer pathways across all levels.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi unveiled the new system during a press conference attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, national selector and Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, along with other senior PCB officials.

The previous A, B, C and D contract categories have been replaced with a five-track model that classifies players based on their role, format expertise and stage of development.

Under the new structure, Track AB will include Pakistan’s top multi-format players who regularly feature in Test and One-Day International cricket. These players may also play T20 Internationals, but their contributions in the longer formats will be given greater recognition.

Track A has been introduced for red-ball specialists to strengthen Test cricket by offering extra incentives and allowing them more opportunities to participate in overseas first-class competitions.

The PCB has introduced structural reforms to player central contracts, with new format-specific tracks and defined pathways aimed at performance-driven progress 🏏

Get an overview of the key changes shaping Pakistan cricket 🎥

Press Conference ➡️ https://t.co/XgGWPpp4Ai… pic.twitter.com/Yvu7vLfP5O

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 15, 2026

Track BC will consist of key white-ball players who are part of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I setup, while Track C will be reserved for T20 specialists and franchise cricketers, giving them greater flexibility to play in domestic and international leagues while fulfilling national commitments.

Track D will serve as a development category for emerging players identified through the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and Pakistan’s domestic cricket system.

The PCB said this is the first model of its kind in international cricket, where players will mainly be assessed against others within the same format pathway instead of being compared across all formats.

Speaking about the new framework, Mohsin Naqvi said the board had developed a detailed assessment system to make the process of awarding central contracts more transparent.

“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.

Naqvi added that the new approach was designed to address concerns over player evaluations at the domestic level and ensure a fairer 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.

He also confirmed that medical fitness would remain a mandatory requirement for players seeking central contracts.