PCB postpones awarding of new central contracts till NZ Test series outcome

Islamabad, Jan 8 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to postpone the awarding of new central contracts to national players until the outcome of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand.

"We have delayed the announcement of the central contracts for the year 2011-2012, and will finalise it after observing players' performance in the ongoing Test series against Kiwis," the Daily Times quoted a member of the national selection committee, as saying on the condition of anonymity.

He said the performance of all players was being observed closely, as the selectors thought that a few 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, the committee member revealed that there were a couple of players who were getting older and would not play longer, and therefore 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 tainted trio suspended under the allegations of spot-fixing, he said that their future would be determined after the outcome of the Doha hearing.

"We can't say that their cricket is over, they may come back and win the contract. But everything depends upon the Doha hearing, let us see that," he concluded.

The spot fixing case hearing is underway in Doha, and an Anti-Corruption Tribunal will adjudicate upon the 'alleged breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Players and Player Support Personnel' by three Pakistan players- Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.

On 2 September 2010, the ICC had charged the trio with various offences under Article 2 of the mentioned code relating to "alleged irregular behaviour during, and in relation to, the fourth Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's." (ANI)