Pak players’ contracts renewed

All seventeen Pakistani contracted players have had their contracts extended by the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] by a year.

The top 17 PCB recruits were paid on a monthly basis under the introductory national contracts that lasted until the team’s West Indian tour earlier this month. However, unfit players and those under scrutiny for suspect bowling actions are liable to have their contracts reviewed after six months.

Tear away speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who missed both the West Indian tour, and the Indian one before that due to doubts over his fitness, also had his contract renewed, putting paid to any rumors that he could be dropped from the list of contracted players. He had earlier delayed the signing of the contract after raising objections over issues related to personal sponsorship. He was the last player to sign.

A-category contracted players receive a monthly salary of 200,000 rupees [around $3,500]. Players in the B-category get 125,000 rupees [approx. $2,100] whereas players in the C-Category receive 75,000 rupees [approx. $1,200].

The players were judged on the points scored by them in International matches. This points system, formulated by the PCB, sees players rewarded for feats like scoring a century, taking 4 or 5 wicket hauls, accepting 4 or more catches in a match, and for securing world and national records.

The players will be officially under contract again from July 10. The Pakistanis do not take to the field until late October, when they will be paid a visit by England.