PCB announces annual central player contracts for 2017-18

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the award of its player's Central Contracts for the year 2017-18 to 35 players in four categories.

Six players including skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali, and Shoaib Malik were awarded Category 'A' status.

Players like Wahab Riaz, and Rahat Ali were awarded Category B status. In total, four players were awarded the contract.

14 players were awarded Category C, including Ahmad Shehzad, while 14 players were awarded Category D status.

The Central Contracts were awarded after keeping in mind the performances, fitness, and discipline of the players.

"A number of young players have been awarded Central Contracts this year keeping in mind that the National Teams in all formats will be going through a transitionary period after a number of retirements from last year's Central Contract List," a PCB release stated.

As per the three year understanding reached with Players and the PCB Management the monthly retainers for all categories have been increased by 10 percent.

The Central Contracts Selection Committee comprising Director Cricket Operations, Chairman National Selection Committee, and Pakistan Team Head Coach have recommended and Chairman PCB has approved the following names for the 2017- 2018 Central Contract Term.