First in history: Players in line to receive one-year contracts

PCB plans to change its policy of awarding three or six-month contracts

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to award the players one-year contracts from July-June so that they fall within their fiscal year, allowing for easier calculations and budgeting.

The board had previously been awarding three and six-month contracts, which were extended on the basis of performances — with promotions and demotions taking place.

But now the PCB feels that it is time to give 12-month contracts, a decision which will help both the players and the board.

Read: Salary bonus in the offing for PCB employees

“We’re in discussions with the national captains regarding the new central contracts which we want to give for one year,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune. “These contracts will coincide with our fiscal year and will give us a better idea of where we stand when we sit down to calculate our expenses for the next year. It will also give the players a sense of security and will hopefully translate into improved performances on the pitch.”



The PCB had extended contracts till June and new contracts starting from July will be given once Test captain Misbahul Haq, T20 captain Shahid Afridi and ODI captain Azhar Ali are all brought on board.

The three captains will act as the players’ representatives in the discussions, with deliberations being made whether bonuses should be given on match wins or series wins.

The PCB is also keen to award lengthier contracts as the selectors and the management will both have a better idea regarding the players’ performances in domestic competitions, as well as for the national side.

Read: Zimbabwe series: PCB plans to build on successful foundation

“In the past, the board had come under criticism that some of the top domestic performers were neglected in the contracts,” added the official. “But with July as the cut-off, the domestic season would have concluded by then as it is played in winter while the national team’s assignments would have been completed as well. So we’ll have fair idea who has done what and the new contracts can be given accordingly.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.