![PCB delays central contract for Pakistan players [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792234163820_PCBdelayscentralcontractforPakistanplayers.jpg?type=hq)
PCB delays central contract for Pakistan players [Source: AFP]
The Pakistan Test side suffered a 0-3 whitewash at the hands of England on their away tour, and the players will now have to bear the consequences as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delayed the central contract, leaving players awaiting their deals.
According to a report by Express Tribune, the contracts will only be provided to the players if the team delivers improved results in the upcoming home matches against England and Sri Lanka.
How poor performance on England tour cost Pakistan players their central contracts
The Express Tribune report stated that the new central contracts for the Pakistan players will cover the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The same was informed to all the players before they departed for the red-ball series against the West Indies and England.
A preliminary list of 30 players was also short-listed for the new contracts, but poor on-field performances delayed everything.
Pakistan couldn’t win the Test series against the West Indies, and it came down to crumbling in England when the Men in Green lost all three matches, and that too, one-sided. Several of the Pakistan players were sent back home midway through as the tour turned into a disaster for the team.
Moreover, changes are expected to take place in the new central contract list, with players like Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood likely to be dropped.
Pakistan players demanding to be placed in category C of central contract
PCB had devised five categories (AB, A, BC, C, D), and all the players were supposed to be fitted into these categories, according to their past performances.
Interestingly, the category C in the new central contract is for the T20 specialist players, and players in this list will face no such restrictions in playing in overseas franchise leagues. At the same time, they will be available for national duty whenever required.
Unlike a Category C player, who needs no NOC, the Test-bound players will not be given the NOC to participate in the T20 franchise leagues. However, they can take part in red-ball County Championship games.
Hence, most of the Pakistan players are interested in getting a Category C contract, so as to play in the overseas franchise leagues.
.jpg?type=mq "Why Shami is not picked?")
.jpg?type=mq "Aiden Markram To Play 2nd Test")
