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PCB Replaces A–D Contracts with Five Format-Specific Tracks

The overhaul rewards Test specialists with higher retainers, ties pay to availability, links bonuses to team success, shifts selection toward a data-driven formula, keeps some details under review

Overview

  • The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the new format-based system at a press briefing, which was held on Monday and replaces the old A/B/C/D bands with five tracks that separate Test, ODI and T20 roles.
  • Reported draft pay terms raise annual retainers for red-ball specialists and multi-format players and revise match fees to higher levels for Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
  • A committee that includes Mike Hesson and Sarfaraz Ahmed has finalised draft contracts for 2026–27, with selection rules that weight statistical metrics heavily and add mandatory fitness and domestic-availability checks.
  • Draft proposals introduce large performance bonuses tied to team success, including widely reported figures such as a 500% match-fee top-up for an ICC title and a 300% top-up for an Asia-level win.
  • Key implementation items remain under consideration, notably whether the PCB will publish the names and categories of contracted players and the formal sign-off of bonus and disclosure rules, leaving full rollout details pending.