Shoaib to get contract despite injuries

Shoaib Akhtar will get a central contract with the PCB despite his recent absence from the game due to fitness problems

"His attitude has improved a lot and he is committed to getting fit and to team discipline," Shaharyar Khan, the chairman PCB, told Reuters. "There is a big improvement in his behaviour since last year. We have got good reports about him. There is no question of him not getting a central contract."

Shoaib will not play the first two Tests against England as an ankle stress fracture he sustained last year has failed to heal in time. He pulled out of the one-day series against India at home in February this year and hasn't played any competitive cricket since then.

Shabbir Ahmed, however, is unlikely to be awarded a contract this season. Shabbir is currently serving a year-long suspension from international cricket because of an illegal bowling action and Shaharyar said it was doubtful he would get contract. "The bowler cannot play for Pakistan till the end of this year and that is a long time. He might not be included in the central contracts' list." Shaharyar did add, however, that Shabbir might be considered for a six-month contract early next year, provided he makes a successful return to international cricket.

The board is likely to give players the pay rises they have been asking for but has also planned to reduce the number of players to be contracted to 20. "Any amount that would be saved from the deduction of players who are centrally contracted will be diverted towards a raise the players are going to get," said Shaharyar.

Also revealed were plans to offer performance-based incentives for players: "Players who play an important role in the team's wins will get cash rewards."