PCB to introduce central contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to offer leading players central contracts by the end of the month, bringing to an end the previous system in which payments were based on seniority.

Demands for the introduction of the new system, which were led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, the captain, and Yousuf Youhana, his deputy, were initially rejected by the PCB on financial grounds, but Shaharyar Khan, the board's chairman, told Reuters that the recent home series against India had generated around US$23million, adding: "We have taken a decision and are working out the details of these central contracts. It is a move to improve relations with the players."

But he continued: "We have made it clear to the players we can't give them the money in their central contracts that India, Australia or England can afford. We will work things out according to our capacity."

Shaharyar said that 15 players would be offered central contracts. Under the current system, which has been in place for several years, senior players such as Inzamam earn almost 240,000 rupees (approx. US$4200) for playing in a one-day match. Players in the lowest tier receive only 60,000 rupees (US$1000).