PCB rolls out first-ever central contracts for Under-19 players

The Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced central contracts for Pakistan Under-19 players for the first time, with head coach Shahid Anwar saying the step will reward good performances and encourage young cricketers.

According to The Express Tribune, Anwar said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi invited the squad following its tour of England and held individual meetings with the players. Anwar described the contracts as a welcome step and said they would push young players to improve. He added that rewarding strong performances would build confidence, and that Naqvi's encouragement had become a source of strength for both the squad and the coaching staff. The coach said the recognition sends a message that performances at age-group level will not go unnoticed.

Captain Farhan Yousuf said the development camps held in Multan had produced positive results over the past two years, and called the meeting with Naqvi an encouraging experience.

Aalyan Salman said the central contracts would lift players' confidence and allow them to focus more on their cricket. Jahangir Bilal said the contracts would also help young cricketers provide financial support to their families. Rizwanullah thanked Naqvi and the PCB for what he called a historic initiative, and said the announcement of rewards and central contracts had given the players significant encouragement.

The Nation, The News International and Dunya News also reported the introduction of Under-19 central contracts, though their reports did not carry the detailed comments from the squad.

The PCB has not released the number of players covered or the value of the new contracts. The decision follows Pakistan's recent Under-19 tour of England and the development camps in Multan, which Anwar and Yousuf both credited for improving the squad's performance. The board has not said when the contracts will take effect or how retainers will be structured, and has not said whether they will be reviewed annually.