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PCB Awards First Central Contracts to Pakistan Under-19 Squad

The board is adopting a formal pay-and-support structure to help retain and develop young players.

Overview

  • PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the move when he met the returning Under-19 squad at the board’s Lahore headquarters on Monday, September 21, 2026.
  • The decision follows the team’s England one-day series win, where Pakistan U19 defeated England 3-1, and is presented as a reward for that performance.
  • Head coach Shahid Anwar and captain Farhan Yousuf welcomed the contracts and credited two years of development camps in Multan for improving the side’s preparation.
  • Players said the contracts will boost confidence, let them focus more on cricket, and provide financial help to families, while the PCB has not disclosed contract values, tiers, or durations.
  • Putting central contracts at the U19 level creates a formal pathway to retain and nurture talent and could change how young players are supported, although details on implementation and long-term rollout remain unclear.