Pakistan PCB adopts data-driven format-based contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced a new, data-driven central contract system for its men's team, replacing the traditional A-to-D categories with a format-based structure. The announcement was made on Monday by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at a press conference alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and other senior board officials.

Under the new system, players will be grouped into specialized "format tracks" rather than the previous hierarchical categories. Track A is designated for red-ball specialists, focusing on Test cricket. Tracks B and C are for white-ball specialists in ODIs and T20Is, while Track D is reserved for T20 and franchise cricket specialists. The board stated that special financial incentives have been created for cricketers in the red-ball category to ensure they are not disadvantaged compared to players in lucrative franchise leagues.

Naqvi emphasized that the new model aims to increase transparency and reduce disputes. He stated that approximately 85 percent of the contract decisions will be determined by data and analytics, with the remaining 15 percent left to the discretion of the selection committee. The criteria for placing players in each...