Babar Azam to be dropped out of Pakistan Central Contracts? PCB chief imposes a new condition

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the central contracts awarded to national cricketers. He revealed that there will be massive changes in the criteria for the central contracts that will be offered to Pakistan cricketers.

The PCB chief has further stressed that only players who meet rigorous fitness criteria and fulfill their expectations through their performances will be eligible for the central contracts. The call was part of the PCB’s broader initiative to improve the Pakistan team's overall performance and fitness.

Fitness tests will be mandatory for both domestic and international players: PCB

Naqvi reiterated that the ongoing review of central contracts would adhere to a new formula designed to reward players based on merit and their ability to meet set fitness standards. He stressed that this approach will bring transparency and accountability to the national setup.

Under the revised contract structure, both domestic and international players will be required to undergo mandatory fitness tests to be considered for national contracts. Meanwhile, Naqvi highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness levels, claiming this criterion would be non-negotiable for the players who want to represent Pakistan at the highest level.

Furthermore, the PCB chief highlighted that players must participate in domestic cricket if they want to be selected for the national team, saying players not actively engaged in domestic tournaments would be ineligible for national selection.

Mohsin Naqvi was quoted as saying by The Tribune: “Fitness tests will be mandatory for both domestic and international players, and there will be no compromises on these standards. Players who perform well in domestic tournaments will be considered for international matches, while those who do not participate in domestic cricket will not be taken into consideration for the national team.”

On the other hand, the PCB has announced a new policy for players to participate in overseas leagues. The PCB will issue a maximum of two No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participation in foreign leagues, with the players not getting any NOCs during an ongoing series.

Why hasn’t the surgery started yet?: Ahmed Shehzad to Mohsin Naqvi

Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad slammed the PCB for allowing 12 players to play in leagues around the world after the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Questioning PCB’s decision, Shehzad said that these players have no shame that they did not perform for Pakistan, but now they will play in the overseas leagues as usual. Shehzad asked Naqvi about the big surgery that he promised.

According to Cricket Pakistan, Shehzad stated: “Why hasn’t the surgery started yet? According to the report submitted by the manager and head coach, why has no action been taken against the players yet? These players are less interested in playing for Pakistan and only care about league contracts.

We refused the contracts of various leagues to play domestic cricket in Pakistan, but these players had no shame and asked for permission to play the leagues after a bad World Cup. Shameful act, and PCB should ensure that players involved in grouping are removed from the team. These players should have apologized to the nation, but they have no remorse and do not care about the feelings of the fans.”