PCB announces major overhaul of central contracts structure

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced a major overhaul of its player contracting structure, introducing one of the most significant reforms in its history and positioning Pakistan at the forefront of modern cricket administration.

In a media briefing ahead of the 2026 contracting cycle, PCB officials, including chairman Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed it is moving away from the traditional category-based grading system of A, B, C and D contracts and replacing it with a format-specific model built around five distinct player tracks.

The premier tier, Track AB — Dual Format (Test & ODI) — represents the highest level of commitment in the new system. It is designed for players capable of performing across both Test and ODI cricket, with emphasis on adaptability across formats.

Occasional selection of an AB-category player for T20 Internationals will not constitute a reclassification, and such appearances will be treated as situational requirements rather than a change in player status.

Track A is reserved for red-ball specialists, exclusively focused on Test cricket. The PCB said the category is designed to protect and strengthen long-format expertise by allowing players to prioritise first-class and Test commitments without the added demands of limited-overs cricket, supported by dedicated performance provisions.

Track BC, covering ODIs and T20 Internationals, will serve as the primary pathway for white-ball cricketers. It replaces the previous separate ODI category and brings together Pakistan’s limited-overs specialists under a unified structure.

Track C has been introduced for T20 specialists and franchise-focused players, recognising the growing importance of global franchise leagues alongside international commitments. The PCB said the category offers flexibility for players involved in short-format cricket while maintaining national team obligations.

Track D is a development pathway aligned with the National Cricket Academy system, aimed at emerging players progressing through Pakistan’s high-performance structure. Each senior category will include two internal tiers, allowing movement between levels based on form and performance.

The PCB said the reform is intended to create clearer career pathways, improve accountability, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Test cricket alongside the growing demands of white-ball and franchise formats.

Under the new model, players will be contracted according to their primary format responsibilities rather than a unified grading system.

The board described the shift as role-based recognition, where players are assessed and rewarded according to the specific demands of the formats they represent.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the new system provides greater clarity for players and stakeholders, ensuring transparent decision-making and clearly defined expectations.

The contracting framework will be implemented from the 2026 central contracts cycle. It will also introduce a structured three-stage assessment process involving medical and fitness evaluations, mandatory domestic participation, and format-specific performance analysis.

The PCB emphasised that player welfare and sustained engagement in domestic cricket remain central to the new structure.

It added that targeted incentives have been introduced to safeguard Test cricket amid the global rise of franchise leagues, framing the initiative as a strategic investment in red-ball cricket.

Naqvi noted that cricket boards worldwide are facing similar challenges in balancing Test and franchise demands, adding that Pakistan has chosen structural reform to address the issue.

The PCB further confirmed that individual player categories and financial details under the new system will not be disclosed at this stage.

The board said the overhaul represents a long-term shift aimed at aligning Pakistan cricket with modern demands while preserving the integrity and strength of its traditional formats.