PCB awards central contracts to U19 players for first time

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has awarded central contracts to Under-19 players for the first time, introducing a new incentive for young cricketers and recognising their performances.

The decision was announced after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the Pakistan Under-19 squad following their successful tour of England, where they won the four-match one-day series 3-1.

During the meeting, Naqvi spoke to the players individually, appreciated their performances and urged them to remain focused on improving their game and building their careers.

Pakistan Under-19 head coach Shahid Anwar welcomed the decision, saying central contracts at junior level would encourage young players to work harder and perform better.

Under-19 captain Farhan Yousuf also credited the development camps held in Multan for helping the team. He said the camps organised there over the last two years had produced encouraging results. Farhan said the meeting with Naqvi had further motivated the squad and expressed happiness over the introduction of central contracts at the Under-19 level.

He said the contracts were a particularly positive development for the young players, who were receiving central contracts for the first time.

Young cricketer Aliyan Salman said the contracts would raise the players’ confidence and morale and help them concentrate more on cricket.

Another player, Jahangir Bilal, said the financial support provided through the contracts would also allow young cricketers to help their families.