Players of the Pakistan national team will have to wait for new centralized contracts. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may make a final decision on the contracts after the completion of the three-nation ODI series at the end of this month (involving England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan). However, the announcement might only be made after the conclusion of two Test matches against Sri Lanka in November.
According to a report by the PTI news agency, the decision on which category to assign a player will be made after evaluating the performance of the national selectors and head coach Mike Hesson. This will involve analyzing players' results both in international matches and during the first-class season at home grounds. Thus, the final decision will remain with the coach and selectors.
The Pakistan team will hold a three-nation ODI series with Sri Lanka and England from October 18 to 31. These matches will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore, and players' performances in this series are considered an important indicator for new centralized contracts.
The PCB has decided to change its approach to providing contracts. Player categories will now be determined not by seniority, but based on the format in which they play. Separate categories will be established for formats such as Test cricket, T20, and limited-overs cricket (ODI and T20).
According to available data, the old contracts expired on July 31. Although the PCB usually announces new contracts in August, there is a delay this time due to the selection process and the need to assess player results. Nevertheless, when the contracts are announced, they will be effective from the previous date.