The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is preparing to introduce strict disciplinary measures for national team players for the team’s poor performances. The board is reportedly planning to implement performance-based central contracts to address the squad’s inconsistent performances.
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test of the two-match series in Mirpur. The Shan Masood-led side failed to chase the 268-run target in the fourth innings and were bowled out for just 163, conceding a 1-0 lead to Bangladesh. The second Test match is currently taking place in Sylhet from May 16.
Mohsin Naqvi Set to Introduce Performance-Based Contracts for Pakistan Players
According to a PTI report, the Pakistan Cricket Board plans to revamp its current payment structure from July 1. The report stated that board officials want to introduce a performance-based system that evaluates and rewards players based on their performances in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
"The board is discussing different ways to make the central contracts more performance-oriented, meaning introducing a financial system where players are judged and paid on their performances series to series and in tournaments," the source told news agency PTI.
Pakistan also suffered another setback after match officials deducted eight World Test Championship points from the team on Friday. The ICC penalized the Shan Masood-led side for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first Test against Bangladesh.
Several Pakistan Players Could Lose Central Contracts After Poor Results
The report added that officials working on the new contracts are coordinating with the legal department to ensure the changes do not violate employment rights. Several currently contracted players could lose their central deals because of the national team’s poor performances across all formats.
"Number of players who are contracted can expect to find themselves dropped from the new list after a decline in performances of the national team in all formats," the source added.
The report also stated that there is very little chance of the PCB restoring the highest-paying Category A in the new contract structure after previously removing it. The current central contracts for Pakistan players are set to expire on June 30 this year.
PCB Could Introduce Stricter Overseas League Rules in New Central Contracts
The report stated that the PCB received feedback suggesting several players have started taking their places in the national team for granted. The report added that franchise cricket has created a comfort zone among players, which could push the board to introduce stricter rules for participating in overseas leagues.
"The lure of the T20 leagues is seen as one reason for players developing a comfort zone for themselves, which is why the new contracts might also see some telling conditions for players to play in foreign leagues," he added.
The PCB is also considering offering better financial rewards to players who focus mainly on red-ball cricket. After the upcoming home ODI series against Australia in June, the board will hold a long training and conditioning camp before the team leaves for the West Indies tour in late July.
