PCB offers central contracts

PCB awards contracts to 21 players.Pakistan has extended the pool of contracted players from 28 to 42, and there were several irregularities: apart from the players who missed out, fast-bowler Wahab Raiz, who has been axed from all senior squads following a poor run, was awarded a category C contract. Also, banned Quetta wicketkeeper Bismillah Khan was named under the stipend category. Meanwhile fast bowler Mohammad Talha, who is touted to be a promising prospect but is yet to find a real opportunity in the senior team, missed out despite being contracted in 2011. Talha has played just the one Test, and was last selected the Tests against England earlier this year, but was ruled out due to a back injury. As per the 2012 contacts, the players have got a hike of 25% in their retainers, and an increase of 10% in match fees. The contracts also feature a minor addition with regards to disciplinary matters, along with a clause that addresses the issues of players who wish to play in county cricket, foreign leagues, exhibition/charity matches and unauthorised cricket. Some category A players have reportedly shown reservations about signing the contracts, and have sought more time to study them. The cricketers who were playing without contracts since january 2012 (the previous batch of contract expired on December 31, 2011) will be paid once they submit the signed cop of the contract to the PCB.

"After three years we have increased the fees payable to the players which we hope will be a morale boost for them," PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf said.

Intikhab Alam added in a statement : We have also given recognition to those players who have distinguished themselves with consistent performances in the domestic circuit. We have also recognised Under-19 players in the list and this will serve as a huge encouragement for them .

Intikhab Alam added in a statement The players have been grouped into three categories. Category A contracts: Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan, Umar Gul, Mohammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdur Rehman, Umar Akmal Category B contracts: Shoaib Malik, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema Category C contracts: Sarfraz Ahmed, Adnan Akmal, Hammad Azam, Wahab Riaz, Imran Farhat, Faisal Iqbal, Nasir Jamshed.

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