Awarding central contract to Afridi depends on his performance: PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan has said the decision of awarding a central contract to veteran Shahid Afridi will be made after observing his performance.

The PCB chief said despite the fact that Afridi didn't take part in the fitness test arranged by the PCB due to some injury, "our main focus will be on his performance".

When asked if in the current situation will Afridi be automatically selected for a central contract like in the previous years, Shaharyar told The Dawn on Sunday, "this decision will be taken by the selection committee".

The current central contract awarded to players will end on June 30, 2016. Afridi is currently in the A category of players.

The PCB chairman also announced that Intikhab Alam has been appointed team manager for the upcoming tour of England, "since he did a good job recently".

The decision about hiring a bowling coach will be taken after consultation with newly appointed head coach Mickey Arthur, while the future of batting coach Grant Flower and Grant Luden will also be decided once the PCB officials discuss the matter with Arthur after his arrival in Pakistan, said Shaharyar Khan.

--IANS

sam/bg