Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan players [Source: AFP]The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a new central contract system for national players under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi. Notably, the new contracts will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. At the same time, the board has also announced fresh rules regarding the number of franchise leagues players can participate in during a contract cycle.PCB Announced New Player CategoriesThe new system has been designed to reward players who regularly represent Pakistan at the international level. Therefore, only cricketers who have remained active in international cricket will be eligible for central contracts.The PCB has devised a track based system instead of the traditional A, B, C and D categories. Test cricket specialists will be in Track A while Track B and Track C will have players who predominantly feature in ODIs and T20s. Meanwhile, Track D will be for T20 and franchise cricket specialists.PCB Introduces New Franchise League Rules For Pakistan PlayersOne of the major changes to the new contract policy is the restriction of overseas franchise leagues. The new rules will bar Test specialists from playing in white-ball franchise leagues other than the Pakistan Super League (PSL). They can instead compete in red-ball competitions in top countries.In addition, ODI specialists will be allowed to play in one overseas franchise league during a contract cycle. Players who are active in both ODIs and T20Is can participate in two overseas leagues. On the other hand, T20 specialists will have no limit on the number of franchise leagues they can join.Furthermore, all centrally contracted players must remain available for the PSL. They will also need to pass mandatory fitness assessments before receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to play overseas.Also Read: Shaheen Afridi To Earn Less Than Babar Azam? Pakistan Players' Salary As Per New PCB Contract DetailedThe PCB has also introduced a new salary structure under the revised contract system. According to ESPNcricinfo, top-tier Track A players will earn PKR 4 million per month, while second-tier players in the same category will receive PKR 3.6 million.Similarly, Pakistan players in Track AB will earn between PKR 3.8 million and PKR 4.8 million per month. Meanwhile, cricketers in Track BC will receive monthly salaries ranging from PKR 2.6 million to PKR 3.4 million. T20 specialists will earn between PKR 2 million and PKR 2.6 million per month. In comparison, pathway cricketers in Track D will receive PKR 1 million every month.PCB Announces Strict Eligibility Conditions For Central ContractsThe PCB has also introduced strict eligibility conditions for receiving central contracts. Players must have played at least four Tests, six ODIs or six T20Is during the previous 12 months.Moreover, they will need to complete a three-stage evaluation process. First, they must clear medical and fitness tests. Next, they must meet domestic cricket participation requirements. Finally, they must achieve the required performance standards set by the board.Fitness monitoring will continue throughout the year, with screenings scheduled every four months. In addition, players will have to meet minimum domestic match requirements based on their respective categories.Also Read: S Sreesanth Openly Challenges Harbhajan Singh, Reignites IPL Slapgate Row
