Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its new batch of central contracts, with notable omissions of former captain Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz. The contracts, which were pending approval for some time, have been awarded to 16 players, with Fatima Sana, the current captain, moving up to Category A.Dar, who was in Category A last year, and Riaz, who had been demoted to Category B, have been omitted due to concerns about their form and attitude within the team. Eyman Fatima, Anoosha Nasir, Sidra Nawaz, and Shawaal Zulfiqar also miss out on contracts this season, while Bismah Maroof's retirement earlier this year means she no longer features.The PCB stated that these players will remain available for selection as the board shifts its focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC's Women's FTP (Future Tours Programme) for 2025-29.Sana's promotion to Category A is a reward for her outstanding all-round performances in the run-up to and at the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka at the tournament but lost their three other group games to India, Australia, and eventual champions New Zealand.Muneeba Ali, the wicketkeeper-batter, has also been promoted to Category A, joining Sidra Amin, who retains her position. Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim return to the central contracts list for the first time since 2018 and 2022-23, respectively, while Tasmia Rubab is included for the first time.The contracts have been backdated to the end of July, when the previous contracts expired. The delay in the contracts is part of a general trend of upheaval and uncertainty in Pakistan women's cricket, where the PCB has struggled to get projects off the ground, including the long-promised women's PSL."The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women's Future Tours Programme," said PCB's new chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed. "By further investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and offering clear pathways to the emerging cricketer, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level."

England's cricket team has made a bold move by awarding Jamie Smith a lucrative two-year central contract, signaling their intention to build their future around the rising star. Smith, 24, has impressed in both Test and white-ball cricket, earning recognition as the PCA's Young Player of the Year.Despite limited opportunities in white-ball cricket, Smith showcased his potential in the recent ODI series against Australia. He is expected to play a key role in England's upcoming white-ball tour of India and the Champions Trophy. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson has also received a two-year deal, extending his existing contract.England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, and white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, have both signed two-year deals, demonstrating their commitment to the team. Buttler's contract is a show of faith despite his ongoing calf injury.England's contract system has been revamped to reflect the growing influence of T20 franchise cricket. 18 of the 26 offers are multi-year deals, with 19 of this year's 29 deals being for one year only.Five players have signed their first central contracts: Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Will Jacks, and Jacob Bethell. Three players have been handed development contracts, including Josh Hull and John Turner.Seven players have been cut from England's list, including Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan, and James Anderson, who have retired. Ollie Robinson and Ben Foakes, who were dropped from the Test team in the summer, are also notable absentees."The strength and depth of talent across England Men's red and white-ball cricket is clear," said Rob Key, England men's managing director. "These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England Men's teams."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally announced the revised central contracts for the men's cricket team, nearly four months after they were due. The contracts have undergone significant changes, with several players moving up or down the categories.Shan Masood, who recently led Pakistan to their first Test series win since July 2023, retains his spot in Category B. However, his position is uncertain, as the PCB has stated that his retention is "subject to captaincy." This announcement comes amidst speculation about Masood's future as Test captain after Pakistan lost their first six Tests under his leadership.Babar Azam, despite missing the last two Test matches against England due to poor form, remains in the highest category. Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, drops down to the second tier, leaving Mohammad Rizwan as the only other A category player.Fakhar Zaman, who has been a regular in the central contracts for the past eight years, has been dropped for the first time. Concerns over his fitness and a deteriorating relationship with the PCB are believed to be the reasons behind his omission.The board issued a show-cause notice to Zaman after he criticized the decision to drop Babar Azam on Twitter. The post remains up, and Zaman has not apologized, with the matter reportedly being handled by his legal team.Imam-ul-Haq, Zaman's long-time ODI opening partner, also misses out on a central contract. There has been a general deflation in categories across the board, with only five players out of 25 in the A or B categories compared to 11 last year.Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who did not feature in last year's contracts, have made a comeback after their impressive performances against England. Both players have been placed in the C category, with Noman's inclusion subject to fitness.Several new players have been awarded maiden central contracts, including Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Usman Khan, and Irfan Khan. All five players have been placed in the D category.The PCB has maintained the same three-year deal structure for central contracts, giving players their highest pay raises in history and a fixed share of revenue from the PCB's earnings at the ICC. The contracts will be backdated to cover the period starting July 1, 2024, and will run for another 12 months before a revision can be made.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a stern warning to several centrally contracted players, demanding significant improvements in their fitness levels. The ultimatum comes after a series of fitness tests conducted earlier this month, where some players failed to meet the required benchmarks.The PCB's fitness trainer and physiotherapist will conduct another round of fitness assessments on Monday in Lahore. Players who fail to meet the standards risk losing their central contracts. "The players with central and domestic contracts have been told in clear terms that there will be no compromise on fitness," a board official stated.The warning stems from concerns raised by foreign head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who have emphasized the importance of fitness in international cricket. The tests assess stamina, endurance, muscle strength, and other crucial factors.The PCB has delayed the announcement of the list of players eligible for central contracts for the 2024/2025 period, which typically runs from July to July. Last year, the announcement was postponed until September due to changes in board leadership.This year, the board is expected to reduce the number of players receiving central contracts from the current 27. The new coaches are also placing a strong emphasis on performance and behavioral evaluations.The official revealed that players who struggled in the previous fitness tests have been given two months to improve. The upcoming tests on Monday will determine their progress.The Pakistan team has faced criticism in the past for its fitness standards compared to other international teams. After the World Cup in India last year, team director Muhammad Hafeez and former captain Misbah ul Haq alleged that former head coach Mickey Arthur and captain Babar Azam had instructed the trainer to ease up on fitness demands, allowing players to focus on performance.The PCB's latest move signals a shift in approach, prioritizing fitness as a non-negotiable requirement for players representing Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing stringent fitness tests as a prerequisite for awarding central contracts for the upcoming 12 months. This comprehensive assessment will encompass both current contracted players and potential candidates from international and domestic competitions.The fitness tests will be conducted from September 6 to 8 in Lahore under the supervision of white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, team physiotherapist, and trainer. The players will subsequently depart for Faisalabad to participate in the Champions Cup.According to a reliable source within the PCB, "The fitness tests will play a pivotal role in determining which players secure contracts this year, while performance will also be a key consideration." The source emphasized that both foreign coaches, Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, have prioritized fitness as a primary criterion for player selection.Gillespie expressed concerns regarding the fitness levels of certain players during the recent Test series against Bangladesh, noting their inability to maintain intensity and endurance throughout the matches. Kirsten echoed similar sentiments during meetings with selectors and board officials.The fitness tests will evaluate various aspects of a player's physical capabilities, including gym training, stamina and endurance runs, yo-yo tests, and other assessments.Currently, the PCB has awarded central contracts to approximately 27 players. However, indications suggest that the number may be reduced this time due to the national team's underwhelming performances across all formats in the past year.The recent 2-0 Test series defeat against Bangladesh has drawn significant criticism towards players and board officials, prompting the PCB to implement stricter fitness standards to enhance the team's competitiveness.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced the addition of all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson to its central contracts list, replacing Devon Conway and Finn Allen who declined offers last month.Smith, 26, is yet to make his international debut but has impressed in domestic cricket, particularly in red-ball cricket. He was the leading wicket-taker in last season's Plunket Shield with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18 for champions Wellington. He also had a successful stint with Worcestershire in the County Championship, claiming 27 wickets in seven matches."Nathan's been on our radar for a while having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time," said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. "He's been particularly impressive in red-ball cricket and we think he has the skills to be successful in international cricket when he gets a chance."Clarkson, 27, has played three ODIs and T20Is for New Zealand. He featured in series against Bangladesh, Australia, and Pakistan last season."Josh has been involved in both white ball squads over the past twelve months which shows the strides he's made in his game," Stead said. "He's a hard-hitting player with plenty of skills and has shown in his chances so far that he can offer a lot with bat and ball on the international stage. Josh will provide depth and adds value given the volume of white ball cricket on the horizon."The vacancies on the contract list arose when Conway and Allen opted out to take up T20 league deals during January. Conway, who will play in the SA20 for Joburg Super Kings, was offered a casual playing contract, while Allen, who signed a two-year deal with Perth Scorchers in the BBL, will remain eligible for selection on a case-by-case basis.New Zealand return to action next week with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida before traveling to Sri Lanka for two Tests and then India for three.

Devon Conway and Finn Allen have become the latest New Zealand cricketers to decline central contracts, opting instead for greater flexibility and opportunities in franchise cricket. Conway, however, has signed a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), similar to Kane Williamson, making him available for all internationals except for the Sri Lanka white-ball matches in January, when he will honor his SA20 commitment.Allen, the hard-hitting white-ball opener, will pursue franchise opportunities and has not been offered the same agreement by NZC. He remains eligible for selection on a case-by-case basis. Both Conway and Allen were initially included in the contract list last month but will now be replaced.Conway, who has been named in the Test squad to face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month, is available for all of New Zealand's nine upcoming Tests. He has also committed to warm-up matches ahead of the Champions Trophy in February, including an ODI tri-series in Pakistan."The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn't one I've taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time," Conway said. "Playing for the Blackcaps is still the pinnacle for me, and I'm hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket."NZC chief executive Scott Weenink emphasized that casual contracts are only an option for a select number of leading players. He believes it is a prudent way to manage the evolving landscape of franchise cricket."We're delighted with Devon's decision to commit to the Blackcaps - he's a quality player who's made a strong contribution to the team over the past few years," Weenink said. "In the current environment, it's important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket."Conway and Allen join Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne in moving away from central contracts. However, Williamson, who will also play in the SA20 in January, has not ruled out taking one in the future.Under the NZC system, players must make themselves available for the domestic Super Smash tournament when they are not playing international cricket to be eligible for central contracts.

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.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its central contracts for the 2024-25 season, with four exciting additions and the return of a veteran spinner.Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke, and Jacob Duffy have been offered their maiden central contracts, recognizing their impressive performances in recent times. Ravindra, a rising star, emerged as a breakout player in the 2023 ODI World Cup and scored his maiden Test century against South Africa. Sears and O'Rourke made strong impressions on their Test debuts, while Duffy has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket.Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the contract list after a successful Test season. With a heavy Test schedule ahead, including overseas tours to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India, Patel's experience and skill will be invaluable.Despite dropping out of the Test side last season, top-order batter Henry Nicholls retains his contract. Kyle Jamieson, currently recovering from a back injury, is also on the list, although his availability remains uncertain.Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne have declined central contracts. Williamson will prioritize the SA20 league in January but remains available for New Zealand outside that period."We're producing international-ready Blackcaps and we're pleased with the current depth," said NZC selector Sam Wells. "The strength of the list is perhaps best measured by the quality of some of the players who weren't offered contracts."NZC will now need to appoint a new white-ball captain following Williamson's decision.