KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the list of central contracts for the 2019-20 season.

During this season the men’s cricket team will play World Test Championship, six Tests, three one-day internationals and nine T20 internationals.

Nineteen players have been shortlisted from 33. Striking batsman Babar Azam, wicketkeeper captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and spinner Yasir Shah have been placed in Category A.

Imam-ul-Haq has secured place in Category B along Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, , Mohammad Abbas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wahab Riaz.

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Imam had been blamed unfoundedly for getting priority because of his uncle, Inzamam ul Haq, who has recently retired as chief selector.

The players who have been awarded central contracts in Category C are: Abid Ali, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood and Usman Shinwari

While finalising the list of central contracts, which will run from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, players’ performances and fitness in the past 12 months and the formats they are likely to represent Pakistan in the upcoming season was taken into consideration.

Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik have not been offered contracts but they will remain available for selection.

Emoluments for the cricket players have been increased under the new contract.

PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan said, “I want to congratulate all those who have been offered central contracts for the next season. We have significantly increased the financial value of the 2019-20 retainers across each category. This is over and above what had been agreed in the current agreement, which is due to run until 2021.

“The PCB have set high standards and targets in its strategic plan for the upcoming season. We want to attach a high value to receiving a central contract. We have complete faith and confidence that these players will set-up and produce on-field performances that will help us collectively achieve our objectives and targets.”

Pakistan cricket team’s schedule from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020:

v Sri Lanka – 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is (split tour)

v Australia – 2 Tests, 3 T20Is

v Bangladesh – 2 Tests, 3 T20Is