The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to publicly reveal players’ categories under its newly introduced central contracts system, stating that the number and distribution of contracts are selection matters rather than fixed public information.
The cricket board recently moved away from the traditional A, B, C, and D grading structure and introduced a new format-based model designed to better match players with their roles and performance requirements across different formats.
Under the revised system, players will be placed into five different tracks. Track AB will include cricketers capable of representing Pakistan in both Test and ODI cricket. Track A will focus on red-ball specialists, while Track BC will cover players performing in both ODI and T20 International formats.
Meanwhile, Track C has been created for T20 specialists and franchise-focused players, while Track D will serve as a development pathway connected with the National Cricket Academy.
Unlike previous contract announcements, the PCB will not disclose how many players are included in each category. According to the board, contract numbers and their distribution will be reviewed during every cycle based on selection requirements.
The PCB document stated that the allocation of contracts is a matter of team management and player evaluation rather than a publicly fixed structure.
Sources revealed that centrally contracted players will also have specific domestic cricket responsibilities. Depending on their assigned tracks, players will be required to participate in a certain number of First-Class, List-A, and T20 matches when international commitments are not scheduled.
The board has reportedly informed players about these domestic requirements, which may include around five First-Class matches and ten List-A games.
Despite the introduction of the new format-based approach, centrally contracted players will remain eligible for selection across all three formats. The PCB clarified that players from any track can be included in national squads whenever their skills are required.
