The Pakistan Cricket Board is all set to switch to a formats-based central contracts system, with the traditional contract categories being scrapped and being replaced with a new system that tries to draw a clearer distinction between specialists in each format.
Instead of the traditional A, B, C and D categories, the PCB has introduced a revised structure in which Track A is reserved for red-ball specialists. Tracks B and C are designated for white-ball ODI and T20 cricketers, while Track D is for T20 and franchise cricket specialists.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, said at a media briefing that special focus has been placed on enhancing financial incentives for cricketers in the red-ball category, ensuring
they don’t feel disadvantaged.
“The contracts players used to get always resulted in debates about why players were placed in a particular category. Even players were uncomfortable when they got a category they weren’t happy with,” Naqvi said.
“We have readied a document we are sharing with you, in which 85% of the contract decision has been taken away from humans and towards data,” Naqvi added.
Under the new system, cricketers will no longer be assigned to the traditional A to D categories used previously. Instead, they will be grouped based on the format in which they are considered specialists, with the earlier category structure replaced by what the PCB document refers to as ‘format tracks’.
“The criteria have been set to place players in any category. I am confident that the process will be transparent and not in the hands of individuals. No one will be able to object to what category they have been placed in,” Naqvi said.
But that position appears somewhat at odds with the decision not to disclose which track a cricketer has been assigned to, or how many players fall under each category. This means that while the PCB will use internal guidelines to determine matters such as overseas league clearances or format-specific selection, the public will not be informed whether a cricketer is classified as a Test specialist or a white-ball specialist.
