Visakhapatnam
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering “several key changes” to the obligations of international cricketers towards Pakistan cricket. These changes could affect the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs), participation in domestic cricket, and alterations to the central contracts that were agreed upon last year.
Despite the announcement of these key changes, specific details remain vague. In a brief 500-word statement that was not released through official channels or uploaded to the PCB’s website, it was mentioned that domestic cricket is now mandatory for players. Additionally, a new “technical method” will be implemented for issuing NOCs, with only players meeting the criteria being granted NOCs. Furthermore, it seems that the duration of central contracts has been reduced to one year, as opposed to the three-year contracts introduced earlier.
However, the exact implications of these changes have not been disclosed. Mohammad Rafiullah, a spokesperson for PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, stated that committees would be formed to work out the specifics of these changes, such as establishing the technical method for NOCs, adjusting the central contract, and determining the amount of domestic cricket international players must partake in.
The original statement did not mention the formation of any committees, leaving it uncertain whether one committee would handle all tasks or if separate committees would be set up. Rafiullah mentioned that these committees, yet to be established, would present their findings within 15 days for implementation.
The statement did clarify that the remuneration of centrally contracted players would remain unaffected, dispelling rumors of a reduction following Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup performance. It also mentioned that the inclusion of players in different categories of the central contract would adhere to a defined procedure, though details on this procedure were not provided.
In a separate statement on the PCB’s official website, Australian pitch curator Tony Hemming was appointed as the head curator on a two-year contract. His appointment comes ahead of a busy home season for Pakistan, which includes scheduled Test matches, a tri-series, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
