The PCB is debating “several key changes” to the terms of international players’ commitments to Pakistan cricket, which might have an impact on their ability to get national operations certificates (NOCs), their right to play local cricket, and a modification to central contracts that were finalised last year.
But it’s still unclear what those significant adjustments actually include. Domestic cricket “is now compulsory for players,” according to a 500-word, vague statement that was neither posted on the PCB’s official website nor distributed through official means. A “technical method” will be implemented, according to the board, and only players who fulfil the requirements of that way will receive NOCs. Seemingly, the historic three-year contracts that were announced last year have been rolled back, with the duration of central contracts now only being one year.
Nevertheless, no detailed information was given regarding the nature of the changes or their intended implementation date, even with their potentially significant ramifications. Committees would be established to iron out the finer details, including developing the technical approach for the NOCs, modifying the central contract, and determining the amount of domestic cricket international players would have to play. This was disclosed to by Mohammad Rafiullah, a spokesman for board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
It is unclear if one committee will be charged with overseeing all three duties or if three committees will be formed to address each duty independently. The initial statement did not mention the formation of any committees. Within 15 days, Rafiullah said the committees, which have not yet been formed, would present their recommendations for execution.
Although neither of these leagues and international cricket have any matches, the PCB will probably refuse to play because of workload management.
In the wake of Pakistan’s poor T20 World Cup campaign, initial reports claimed that a punitive step of cutting the players’ salaries would be considered. However, the statement made it clear that this would not happen. Additionally, it stated that “the inclusion of players in various categories of the central contract would follow a defined procedure,” but it did not specify what this process would entail.
Additionally, it was announced that white-ball coach Gary Kirsten and head coach Jason Gillespie of the Test team had been added to the selection committee. However, it is still unclear if this means that both coaches will make decisions about selection for all formats or just the ones for which they are the head coach.
The player NOC controversy is arguably the most contentious in Pakistani cricket right now, with some players believing the spirit of the agreement—which permits players to play in two foreign leagues annually—is not being upheld. According to a report by last week, Naseem Shah was not granted permission to play for the Hundred on a contract for GBP 125,000. Additionally, it is anticipated that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam would also not be granted permission to participate in the Global T20 League in Canada.
Australian pitch curator Tony Hemming was named head curator with a two-year contract in a separate statement posted on the PCB’s official website. He arrives before Pakistan’s hectic home season, which consists of the ICC Champions Trophy, a tri-series, and seven Test matches.
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