PCB to announce central contracts for men players today.

LAHORE -- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wasim Khan has revealed that the central contracts for national men players will be announced today (Tuesday).

'In the past, the PCB didn't make long-term plans but the current management is keen on changing the practice hence the contracts, that are to come into existence from July 1, are being announced now to give security to the players,' said the PCB CEO in a video message issued here on Monday.

'Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq was working on finalising the contracts for the last two to three weeks and has now shortlisted the names to 19 or 20. The list will be discussed internally before it is sent to the PCB chairman for his approval. The contracts are likely to be divided in three categories, while despite the prevailing situation, the board is thinking of increasing the value of the contracts rather than decreasing their value,' he added.

Wasim said that the players, who will feature in all three formats, are likely to have increased salaries in the new contracts. 'As always there were some speculation on the contracts and players, however, the actual situation will only be revealed once the contracts are announced by the board,' he added.

The PCB CEO also revealed that a meeting of Cricket Committee will be held tomorrow (Wednesday).

'The central contracts and domestic cricket will be the issues discussed during the meeting, and departmental cricket will also be part of the meeting agenda. Domestic cricket remains the PCB's priority and at present planning for the next season is underway.

Considering the situation, PCB will, like last year, re-invest in domestic cricket in the forthcoming season. 'The performances of the coaches of all six associations will be reviewed, while the formation of the interim committees is in its final stages. We are trying to limit our expenditure and hope to have at least 50 per cent of the expenses of domestic cricket sponsored but due to the ongoing situation sponsorships are not available at present,' he added.

About Pakistan team's tour to England, Wasim said that the tour is dependent on the Covid-19 situation in England as the PCB will not make any compromise on health and safety of its players. 'The board was in constant communication with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and a conference call to discuss the tour has been set-up for May 15. The call will be attended by ECB's Chief Executive, Director...