PCB introduces new central contract model, domestic cricket mandatory for national players

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to implement a major overhaul of its central contract system for 2026, introducing a unique format-based structure aimed at improving the country’s cricketing standards across formats.

Under the new policy, players who fail to feature in domestic first-class tournaments could lose their eligibility for central contracts. According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB has replaced its traditional A, B, C and D contract categories with a five-track format-based system, which the board has described as a “world-first” approach in cricket.

Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket have prompted former cricketers and experts to urge the PCB to make domestic participation compulsory. The national team endured a disappointing third cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC), finishing at the bottom of the standings, and has continued to struggle in the ongoing cycle.

The Men in Green also suffered a series of setbacks in ICC tournaments, including group-stage exits from the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Pakistan further failed to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup. With the board looking to strengthen the domestic structure and improve player development, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the board’s position clear.

“To lift our standards, we want all the top players to compete in domestic cricket, and those who do not feature in first-class events will not get the central contracts,” said Naqvi.

The revamped model categorises players based on the formats they represent rather than placing them in conventional contract grades. Track AB has been designed for players who feature regularly in both Tests and ODIs, while Track A will be reserved for specialist red-ball cricketers.

Meanwhile, PCB Director of High Performance Aqib Javed highlighted the board’s commitment to preserving the importance of Test cricket.

“Those who play Tests only will be given added incentives and permission to play overseas first-class cricket to strengthen red-ball development,” said Aqib Javed, the director of High Performance as quoted by NDTV Sports.

Under the new arrangement, Track BC will be allocated to players who specialise in ODIs and T20Is, while Track C will cater to T20I and franchise cricket specialists. Emerging cricketers progressing through the PCB’s High Performance setup will be placed under Track D contracts.

The PCB believes that the new structure will reward impactful performances, encourage greater participation in domestic cricket, and create a clearer pathway for players aspiring to represent Pakistan at the highest level.