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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided on players' central contracts being reduced from three years to one on Monday, July 15. However, they decided not to reduce player salaries.
PCB chairman Moshin Naqvi laid down the above decisions in a meeting at Lahore, among other reforms. The meeting was also attended by red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, selectors Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and others.
A board official confirmed the same as quoted by the Times of India:
"The selectors have recommended no change in the financial part of the central contracts which would now be revised into 12-month contracts with players fitness, behaviour and form all to be assessed every 12 months."
The massive change comes after Pakistan's dismal showing across formats over the past year.
The Men in Green suffered humiliating results in the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, followed by a 0-3 whitewash in the Tests in Australia. The downward spiral continued when they failed to advance past the group stage in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, suffering losses to minnows USA and arch-rivals India.
Results aside, the side has suffered from several internal turmoils, wholesome staff changes, and captaincy switches.
PCB set to incorporate strict fitness parameters
The official also confirmed that the PCB has made it compulsory for all Pakistan players under contract to participate in a fitness test every quarter of a year. The tests would be controlled and evaluated by two head coaches.
Also added were strict regulations for players' NOC (No Objection Certificate) to participate in overseas T20 leagues.
"Only players with a high fitness and performance criteria will receive NOCs, ensuring a high standard of representation in international leagues," the official said.
Several other strict decisions were taken during the meeting like mandating domestic participation and performance for national selection and zero tolerances on disciplinary issues and special group formations.
Pakistan's next assignment will be the home two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting in Rawalpindi on August 21.
