(IANS Photo)
Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has unveiled extensive revisions to the central contracts given to national cricketers. He indicated significant alterations in the eligibility criteria for these contracts, emphasizing stringent fitness standards and performance expectations.
This announcement forms part of PCB’s wider efforts to enhance the overall performance and fitness levels of the Pakistan cricket team.
Fitness tests will be mandatory for both domestic and international players: PCB
Naqvi emphasized that the ongoing evaluation of central contracts would follow a new framework aimed at rewarding players based on their performance and adherence to specified fitness standards. He underscored that this approach aims to bring clarity and responsibility to Pakistan’s national cricket operations.
According to the updated contract system, both local and international players must undergo compulsory fitness assessments to be eligible for national contracts. Naqvi also stressed the criticality of maintaining optimal fitness levels, describing this requirement as essential for players aspiring to represent Pakistan at the highest echelons of the sport.
Additionally, the PCB chairman underscored the necessity for players to actively participate in domestic cricket tournaments to remain in contention for national team selection. He emphasized that players not involved in domestic competitions would be ineligible for consideration in national team selections.
Mohsin Naqvi was quoted as saying by The Tribune: “Fitness tests will be mandatory for both domestic and international players, and there will be no compromises on these standards. Players who perform well in domestic tournaments will be considered for international matches, while those who do not participate in domestic cricket will not be taken into consideration for the national team.”
On the contrary, the PCB has introduced a fresh directive regarding players’ involvement in international leagues abroad. According to this policy, each player will be granted a maximum of two No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to compete in foreign leagues. Importantly, players will not receive NOCs while a series featuring Pakistan is in progress.
Why hasn’t the surgery started yet?: Ahmed Shehzad to Mohsin Naqvi
Meanwhile, ex-Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad criticized the PCB for permitting 12 players to participate in international leagues following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Expressing skepticism towards the PCB’s decision, Shehzad remarked that these players show no remorse for their underwhelming performance for Pakistan but are continuing to participate in overseas leagues as usual. Shehzad directed his question towards Naqvi, inquiring about the substantial reforms Naqvi had pledged to implement.
According to Cricket Pakistan, Shehzad stated: “Why hasn’t the surgery started yet? According to the report submitted by the manager and head coach, why has no action been taken against the players yet? These players are less interested in playing for Pakistan and only care about league contracts.
We refused the contracts of various leagues to play domestic cricket in Pakistan, but these players had no shame and asked for permission to play the leagues after a bad World Cup. Shameful act, and PCB should ensure that players involved in grouping are removed from the team. These players should have apologized to the nation, but they have no remorse and do not care about the feelings of the fans.”
