Star cricketers Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi may face action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after reportedly failing to comply with domestic cricket participation rules. The PCB is considering stopping the players’ central contracts if they do not meet the board’s requirements regarding domestic cricket.
The PCB is making changes to its central contract system for the 2026-27 season. In particular, the Board is moving towards a format-based contractual structure and has already prepared a draft framework. The new model includes a track system whereby some players can earn more than PKR 50 million annually through retainers alone.
PCB may suspend central contracts of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi
Senior Pakistan journalist Salim Khaliq told that the PCB is ready to take action against players who fail to meet the requirements of domestic cricket. Star players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi may face suspension of their central contracts due to not playing domestic first-class cricket.
Salim Khaliq wrote on
The new structure gives more importance to format specialization, especially Test and ODI cricket. Players selected in both formats will fall under Track AB, which offers monthly retainers between PKR 4.8 million and PKR 5 million.
System is the most important thing – Aaqib Javed
Senior selector Aaqib Javed said the PCB will prioritize the system over individual players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi. He said that centrally contracted players will either have to play domestic cricket or get medical clearance.
“The system is the most important thing and everyone has to give priority to it. Unless a player fulfills the requirement of playing domestic cricket matches or gets medical clearance, his contract will be put on hold. During this period, he will not be paid. However, once the condition is fulfilled, he will also get his outstanding dues.”
Red-ball specialists in Track A can earn a monthly retainer 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 offers between PKR 1.2 million and PKR 1.5 million.
All centrally contracted cricketers will be paid… – Aaqib Javed
Aaqib Javed said that the PCB wants to create a strong path for young players through the new contract structure. He said 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 the international match fees for playing domestic matches. The D-category development contracts are the most important, which will include around 16 to 20 young emerging players, who will be paid a monthly remuneration of Rs 1 million.”
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 getting up to PKR 1 million per month.
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