Decision about central contracts postponed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to postpone the awarding of new central contracts to national players till the outcome of ongoing Test series against New Zealand, Daily Times has learnt. “We have delayed the announcement of the central contracts for the year 2011-2012and will finalise it after observing players’ performance in the ongoing Test series against Kiwis,” a member of the national selection committee said on the condition of anonymity. He said the performance of all players was being observed closely as the selectors think that a few of the present cricketers would not be able to play international cricket during the next year. “We don’t want to award the contracts to players who will not be members of this team in next year, so we are careful about this matter,” he added.

When asked who were at the borderline among the present lot, he replied there were a couple of players who were getting older and will not play longer, so the board was observing their performance. “We will meet in a day or two to discuss an initial list of players being given contracts and then will do scrutiny after two Tests,” he said while refusing to reveal the names under threat of elimination. Regarding the fate of the trio suspended under the allegations of spot-fixing, he said their future would be determined after the outcome of the Doha hearing. “We can’t say that there cricket is over, they may come back and win the contract. But everything depends upon the Doha hearing, let us see that,” he concluded.