Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director High Performance Aqib Javed has said that the new central contract model marks the first step towards forming separate national teams for all three formats of the game.
Speaking to Geo News in Lahore, Aqib Javed said the idea of separate Test and T20 squads is now becoming necessary, adding that the two formats cannot operate under a single structure in modern cricket.
He explained that previously, players were often compared across formats, which created imbalance in evaluations and contracts. Under the new system, cricketers will be assessed and rewarded strictly within their respective formats.
According to Aqib Javed, top-performing Test players could earn up to PKR 4 million per month, while others may fall in the PKR 3–3.5 million range, based on performance. Similar graded categories will apply across Test, ODI, and T20 squads.
He further said that eligibility for central contracts will depend on participation in domestic cricket, including first-class and List A matches. For Test selection, players may be required to feature in at least six first-class matches, while mixed-format eligibility will depend on combined domestic appearances.
Aqib added that players in different categories will also have specific NOC rules for franchise cricket, while workload management and specialization remain key priorities.
He emphasized that the aim is to ensure players focus on their designated format rather than spreading across all three, noting that Pakistan’s Test performance has suffered due to lack of specialization.
The PCB official also confirmed that Category D will be the most important development group, consisting of 16 to 20 players who will be groomed according to format-specific requirements.
He said changes in the T20 squad are also expected, with the upcoming Asia Cup squad already under review. Central contracts, he added, are designed to enforce commitment to both international and domestic cricket.
