Star cricketers Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi could face action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after reportedly failing to comply with domestic cricket participation rules. The PCB is considering putting their central contracts on hold if players do not meet the board's requirements regarding domestic cricket.
The PCB is overhauling its central contract system for the 2026-27 season. Notably, the board is moving toward a format-based contract structure and has already prepared a draft framework. The new model includes a track system under which some players could earn more than PKR 50 million annually through retainers alone.
PCB May Suspend Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Central Contracts
Senior Pakistan journalist Saleem Khaliq reported that the PCB is ready to take action against players who fail to meet domestic cricket requirements. Star players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi could face suspension of their central contracts for not playing domestic first-class cricket.
"Few star cricketers may have their central contracts put on hold due to non-participation in domestic first-class matches; Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam could be among those affected," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X.
The new structure places greater value on format specialization, particularly Test and ODI cricket. Players selected in both formats would fall under Track AB, which offers monthly retainers between PKR 4.8 million and PKR 5 million.
The System Is the Most Important Thing - Aqib Javed
Senior selector Aqib Javed said the PCB will prioritize the system over individual players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi. He stated that centrally contracted players must either play domestic cricket or receive medical clearance.
"The system is the most important thing, and everyone will have to give it priority. Until a player fulfills the requirement of playing domestic cricket matches or obtains medical clearance, their contract will remain on hold. During this period, they will not be paid. However, once the condition is met, they will also receive their outstanding dues."
Red-ball specialists in Track A can earn monthly retainers of up to PKR 4 million. Meanwhile, Track BC is designed for white-ball players and offers PKR 1.8 million per month, while Track C for T20 specialists provides between PKR 1.2 million and PKR 1.5 million.
All Centrally Contracted Cricketers Will Be Paid… - Aqib Javed
Aqib Javed said that the PCB wants to create a strong pathway for young players through the new contract structure. He added that rewarding emerging cricketers and encouraging senior players, like Babar Azam, to participate in domestic cricket will strengthen the overall system.
"All centrally contracted cricketers will be paid half of the international match fee for playing domestic matches. The D-category development contract is the most important, which will include around 16 to 20 young emerging players, who will be given a monthly remuneration of 1 million rupees."
The newly introduced Track D is reserved for emerging players and those associated with the National Cricket Academy. Around 16 to 20 players will be included in this category, with each player receiving up to PKR 1 million per month.
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