ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to reduce numberof players in the central contract, however has doubled the monthly pay forthe players.

PCB decided to reduce the number of players from 35 to 25, in order toincrease the salaries for the players who will be issued central contracts.

Previously, players were offered a maximum of Rs. 0.5 million as a monthlyretainer fee. The updated contract details are as below:Category Previous Contract New ContractA Rs. 0.5 million Rs. 1 millionB Rs. 0.35 million Rs. 0.7 millionC Rs. 0.2 million Rs. 0.5 millionD Rs. 0.1 million Rs. 0.3 million

According to the official details, only one player has been demoted fromCategory A, which is Mohammad Hafeez. Babar Azam will make space for Hafeezin Category B as he is promoted to the highest tier.

This is not a surprise move as Hafeez is slowly but surely falling out ofthe Pakistan squad — his bowling action, age and ability to perform at thehighest level are all a factor. Whereas the future of Pakistan cricket liesat the feet of Babar Azam, who is one of the top-ranked batsmen in limitedovers cricket.

Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman are also expected to be promoted to highercategories.

The complete list of players will be announced in the coming weeks. Thelist of players was finalized by a four-member committee comprising ofchief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, head coach Mickey Arthur, Pakistan captainSarfraz Ahmad and PCB Director Cricket Haroon Rasheed.

It remains to be seen whether PCB will also increase the per-match fees foreach player as well or not. Furthermore, the individual and team bonusesare also expected to be revised.