PCB Mulls Major Changes to International Cricketers' Obligations

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating significant alterations to the obligations of international cricketers to Pakistani cricket. These changes could impact the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), participation in domestic cricket, and the structure of central contracts.

The PCB's initial statement, lacking in specifics, indicated that domestic cricket would become mandatory for players. A "technical method" for issuing NOCs would be established, with only eligible players receiving them. Additionally, the duration of central contracts has reportedly been reduced to one year, reversing the three-year contracts introduced last year.

However, the exact nature of these changes remains unclear. PCB spokesperson Mohammad Rafiullah stated that committees would be formed to determine the details, including the NOC issuance method, central contract adjustments, and the required domestic cricket participation for international players.

The statement emphasized that the remuneration of centrally contracted players would not be reduced, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. It also mentioned a "defined procedure" for player inclusion in central contract categories, but no details were provided.

Test head coach Jason Gillespie and white-ball coach Gary Kirsten have been added to the selection committee, but their specific roles in the selection process are yet to be clarified.

The issue of NOCs has become a contentious one in Pakistani cricket. Some players believe that the agreement allowing them to participate in two overseas leagues per year is not being honored. Naseem Shah was recently denied an NOC to play in the Hundred, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam are expected to face similar rejections for the Global T20 League in Canada. The PCB is likely to cite workload management as the reason for these refusals.

In a separate development, Australian pitch curator Tony Hemming has been appointed as the head curator for a two-year term. He will oversee a busy home season for Pakistan, which includes seven Test matches, a tri-series, and the ICC Champions Trophy.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #PCB, #NOCs, #CentralContracts, #DomesticCricket