Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Management Committee, led the third meeting on Sunday at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore where the financial model and Abbottabad Cricket Stadium being a potential venue for the International games were discussed.
During the meeting, the Management Committee (MC) was briefed on the three-year financial model of the men’s central contracts. The members not only endorsed the model but also appreciated and praised the efforts of Zaka Ashraf to achieve a few desired results in Pakistan Cricket.
In the meeting, the members unanimously voted to increase the existing Player Welfare Scheme budget by 10 per cent as a sign of respect for the contributions of former cricketers towards the game.
Since no international cricket matches take place during the summer season, the members discussed exploring the northern part of the country and identified Abbottabad Cricket Stadium as a potential venue for hosting international matches in the future. They also approved the conceptual plans for constructing a new pavilion at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.
The infrastructure department provided an update on the proposals discussed in the last meeting, which included projects related to the installation of solar panels across all four stadiums.
The members were also briefed on the renovation of the National Cricket Academy and the installation of mist fans in the general enclosures of the stadiums. Additionally, they were informed about the replacement of digital screens at all stadiums.
Earlier, Zaka Ashraf has stated that players who deserve it will be recognized and added to the central contracts. He also clarified that the selection committee and team management are responsible for determining the list of players who are eligible for the central contracts.
“I came to know that few players are not there (in central contracts) and they complained about that. If there is any injustice done with Sarfaraz or any other player, it will be rectified,” Zaka Ashraf said.
It is worth noting that the previous central contracts had expired on June 30. The terms of the new agreement were finalized after some delay and will cover 25 cricketers. A portion of ICC revenue will also be included in the deal.
However, two Test spinners, Nauman Ali and Abrar Ahmed, were not selected for the contract. Additionally, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been placed in category D.