PCB introduces T20 league for U19 players

Earlier this year, the Pakistan cricket team created history by lifting the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy for the first time, that too by defeating arch rivals India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now looking forward to the betterment of the domestic circuit. In a vow to improve the condition of Pakistani domestic circuit, the PCB has agreed to increase the salary of domestic cricketers by 100%.

Not only the players but the coaches will also be subjected to a salary hike. In addition to it, the players and the coaches will now receive a one-year contract instead of a six months contract. These decisions were made at the last meeting of current Board of Governors (BoG), where it was also decided that the PCB will take legal action against BCCI for not honouring the terms and conditions of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by boycotting the bilateral series.

“The salaries of the players have been increased 100% while their six-month. Meanwhile, board has increased the salaries of domestic coaches too and introduced incentives for them. They will be working with domestic players throughout the year now, and the out-station coaches will also be provided with living stipend contracts have been extended to one year,” said the Domestic Affairs Committee Chairman, Mr Shakeel Shaikh.

This decision by PCB has brought a smile on the faces of many domestic coaches. “The coaches will be able to give proper time to the players and their teams without any other worries. Even if the coach has to go out of the city for a month or so, it will not be a problem now. This will help the players too to work more on their fitness,” said Karachi region’s bowling coach Saleem Jaffer while speaking to The Express Tribune.

“Earlier we couldn’t spend enough time with the players, but now with extended contracts, we would be able to invest more energy. Also, players will be available to us throughout the year. Players would not be interested in training after their six-month contract ended. But now, they will be able to work more on their fitness and we can focus on providing them with quality training,” said Hyderabad’s coach Tahir Mehmood.

PCB will start a T20 league for U19 players

Among the many decisions taken by PCB, it was also announced that a T20 league for the young and budding cricketers of the nation. “We have also agreed to introduce a T20 league for the U-19 players to help them gain experience. The performers will eventually participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from where finished product can be inducted into the national team,” said Shaikh.