PCB tinkers with domestic cricket structure again; puts cricketers’ finances at risk

Pakistani players could face big financial losses as the country’s cricket-governing body, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), decided to make changes to the domestic cricket match schedule yet again. According to Daily Express, the PCB is interested to bring back the old formula of four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches followed by one-day tournament games, for every round.

A similar structure was started in 2014 but it did not last more than a season for it could not meet the expectations. But the PCB has decided to go back to the old system again under which the same venue will also be used both for the long- and short-format games.

Change in the schedule could hurt players

The change in the schedule could hurt players who are currently engaged in county cricket in England because they will have to leave their county commitments midway to return home for August 15 has been set as the deadline for the players to report at the team camp.

The violation of the contract with the counties will also leave the players in the lurch. For one, they will not only face a deduction from their payments but may also find it difficult to secure a new contract next season since the counties have reservation over signing players who can’t commit for a longer period of time.

Meanwhile, the cricket regulatory authority in Pakistan has asked the concerned departments to submit a list of 25 players who will feature in the side along with the support staff members that include the batting and bowling coaches, physiotherapist and trainer.

The domestic season in Pakistan is scheduled to begin early this year (September 1) instead of September 26 which was the starting date last year.

The current chairman of the PCB, Najam Sethi, who took charge last year after being elected unopposed for a three-year period, vowed to make Pakistan’s domestic cricket strong by utilising the talents. He also said the resumption of international cricket in Pakistan was also among his prime goals.

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