Amid the turmoil in Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shorted the central contracts to one year. However, the board did not decide to cut players salaries. Notably, Pakistan Cricket Board has made significant changes in management after a disappointing World Cup campaign, back in November 2023. Following another flop T20 World Cup campaign, where Pakistan faced a humiliating defeat against the host USA and arch-rival India. Pakistan couldnt even qualify for the knockouts. This propelled some drastic changes in the side.PCB hosts key meetingOn Monday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called a meeting in Lahore where key decisions were made. Pakistans new red-ball coach and Australian bowler Jason Gillespie, white-ball coach and South African great Gary Kristen, selectors Mohammad Yousuf, assistant coach Azar Mahmood, and other senior official members attended the meeting. According to the TOI report, The selectors have recommended no change in the financial part of the central contracts which would now be revised into 12-month contracts with players fitness, behavior and form all to be assessed every 12 months. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi chaired an important meeting with the Pakistan mens coaching staff, members of the mens selection committee, and senior PCB officials at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. pic.twitter.com/gLASRU1Mr0— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 15, 2024Fitness test after every three monthsLast year, the players received central contracts and guaranteed that no changes in agreements would be made for three financial years. Reports also claimed that, under contract, PCB has made it compulsory that all players from domestic and international circuits must participate in fitness testing after every three months. Strict restrictions for NOCsMoreover, PCB has implemented a strict evaluation process for players NOC requests to maintain availability in domestic and international matches. PCB officials also agreed to enforce strong sanctions to maintain zero tolerance against any kind of player-made groups. This aims to maintain team cohesion and morale. PCB officials also agreed to nourish grassroots cricket. Modern high-performance centers will be established in Peshawar and Islamabad under the mentorship of Pakistans head coaches, Jason Gillespie and Garry Kirsten.
