KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rewarded the country’s top stumper Mohammad Rizwan and solid Test batsman Fawad Alam for their scintillating performances over the past few months in international cricket by promoting them in their main contract.
PCB also offered T20 player Mohammad Hafeez a category C but he refused to accept it, a senior PCB official said on Wednesday.
“Rizwan has been promoted to category A from category B from March 1 in the central contract which expires on June 30, 2021,” PCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wasim Khan told reporters at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
He said, Fawad Alam, who is in the A + domestic contract category, has been given category C in the PCB Central Contract for the 2020-2021 period.
“The decision to promote the player was made during a meeting with the Chair of the Selection Committee, Muhammad Wasim, as we reviewed the players’ performances in the 2020-21 season and discussed future commitments,” said Khan.
“It was agreed during the meeting that the three players were the most deserving and outstanding players of the season to date and, therefore, they need to be rewarded now rather than waiting for the time when PCB’s Central Contract List for 2021-22 will be reviewed and announced.
“However, Mohammad Hafeez refused the prize and although I was disappointed, I fully respect his decision. He wants to wait for the list of PCB Central Contract 2021-2022, which is his full right. “Hafeez has been one of our star players this season and we hope he will bring his form and momentum to Africa,” said Khan.
“I believe this merit and performance-based decision will once again send a loud and clear message to all professional cricketers that PCB will not only recognize, reward and acknowledge their performance and achievements, but will also reward them so they can strive for. get better next time, “said Khan.
Meanwhile, Khan said that the PCB will do its best to support the Kashmir Premier League.
He also confirmed that the match between the Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings will be held in Gwadar on March 25.
“We are in talks with the Balochistan government because we want to have a match between the Gladiators and Kings in Gwadar. Neither foreign players nor players from the Pakistani team will be part of the match. We want to motivate the Balochistan youth by holding matches there, “said Khan.
He said that efforts would be made to arrange charter flights for the Pakistani team’s tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. “Yes, we will not take any risks and will definitely use that option to manage charter flights for the team. We are in talks with the cricket boards of the two countries, “said Khan.
He said PCB was in talks with the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) to increase the number of fans allowed to witness PSL in action at the stadium.
Asked about Darren Sammy and Wahab Riaz being allowed to reintegrate with Zalmi after they broke COVID-19 protocol, Khan said they had met owner Javed Afridi who was tested and tested negative.
