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Several Pakistan cricketers are reportedly interested in signing Category C central contracts as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to introduce changes to its contract system.
The new arrangement between the Pakistan National Cricket Team players and the PCB could give them more freedom to play in overseas leagues while remaining available for national selection. Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan broke Abhishek Sharma’s record, joining Virat Kohli on the elite list.
PCB to revamp central contracts based on performance
As reported by PTI and Pakistani journalists, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will soon announce the changes to its central contract system for the players. Also, Pakistani players are reportedly more interested in taking Category C annual contracts to have the freedom to play in overseas leagues.
However, the players will have to wait for their new contracts, as the Pakistan head coach, Mike Hesson, and the selectors want to assess their performances before making a final decision. The PCB is also planning to give contracts based on players’ roles and performances rather than seniority.
A source close to the development, as quoted by PTI: “The reason for this is that head coach Mike Hesson, who is coaching the national team in all formats, and the national selectors want to have a look at the performances of the players in the ongoing international matches at home and also the ongoing first-class domestic season before they reach a decision.”
Many Pakistan cricketers are keen to sign Category C central contracts. - They will no longer need PCB NOCs to play in leagues. - They will remain available for Pakistan selection whenever needed. (Saleem Khaliq) https://t.co/do7qH8Y4HU
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 17, 2026
Pakistan players eye Category C contracts to play overseas leagues without PCB NOCs
Pakistan will play an ODI tri-series involving Sri Lanka and England from October 18 to 31 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. And the Pakistan team management wants to study players’ performances in these matches, along with the ongoing first-class domestic season, before deciding which players should be placed in each contract category for the upcoming season.
Under the proposed system, players will be divided into specialized categories for Test cricket, T20 cricket, and white-ball formats, which include ODIs and T20Is. The aim is to match contracts with the formats in which players are expected to contribute.
One of the biggest benefits for players signing Category C contracts is that they may no longer need No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the PCB to participate in overseas leagues. They will also remain available for Pakistan whenever they are required for national duty. Amid this, PCB confirms PSL 12 dates, set to run from March 18 to May 2 in 2027.
PCB delays Pakistan players’ central contracts until November 2026?
However, the announcement of the new central contracts could be delayed until Pakistan completes their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in November 2026. The PCB usually announces its contracts in August, but the previous contracts expired on July 31.
The new central contracts for the players are expected to be applied from the expiry of the previous contracts. The source said, “Whenever the central contracts are given out, they will be given in backdate as the last central contracts expired on 31st July.”
Pakistan look to carry T20I momentum into ODI Tri-Series
Well, Pakistan is currently gearing up to host a tri-nation ODI series featuring England and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The tournament will have seven matches, including the final, with each team facing the other two sides twice.
Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan recently defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 in a home T20I series, and both teams will look to start the ODI tournament with a win.
