Among other newcomers, Sohaib Maqsood has emerged as a deserving beneficiary of central contracts with his impressive performance this year. PHOTO: AFP
After announcing the Test squad against Sri Lanka, the PCB’s selection committee faces two main tasks – picking the preliminary squad for World Twenty20 and finalising players for the 2014 central contracts.
The selectors are already in the process of considering the 30-man squad for the World Twenty20 to be held in Bangladesh next year. It was also learnt that the committee will start assessing players for contracts next week.
Schedule of the announcement, however, is undecided.
As many as 21 players received central contracts (A, B and C categories) in 2013, with addition to nine players who were included in the stipend category.
“The number of players in PCB’s payroll is unlikely to be increased, which may prompt the selectors to axe some old ones,” an official close to the matter told The Express Tribune. He added there are chances of a ‘significant’ change in the list.
Players like Sohaib Maqsood, Bilawal Bhatti, Sharjeel Khan, Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor, who were not given central contracts, have emerged as deserving beneficiaries of fresh offers with impressive performances.
On the other hand, experienced players like Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Aizaz Cheema and Faisal Iqbal, who were given contracts before, were hardly of any utility.
“A player’s contribution this year and his effectiveness in future will be judged before offering him another deal.
“Youngsters who have shown promising performances will be given priority. Promotions and demotions are also on the cards besides an ouster for some players.”
The official also hinted that the PCB was mulling abolishing the stipend category next year in a step to restrict players to three categories.
Players leave for the UAE ahead of Tests
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test players left for the UAE on Friday to join the team ahead of the three-match series against Sri Lanka.
Middle-order batsman Azhar Ali, Khurram Manzoor, Rahat Ali and Mohammad Talha left from Lahore while former captain Younus Khan left from Karachi the same evening.
Speaking upon departure, Azhar hoped Pakistan will maintain their form in the Tests series.
“Our victory in the ODI series is a huge motivation which will help us in the Test series,” said the batsman.
The series will start in Abu Dhabi from December 31.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2013.
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