Players likely to suffer as PCB plans to reverse domestic structure

Players are on a verge of facing financial losses as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to tinker with the scheduling of domestic cricket matches.

According to Daily Express, the board is keen on bringing its old formula of holding four-day Quaid-e-Azam trophy matches followed by one-day cup matches — for every round. The same venue will be used for both the formats.

A similar structure was introduced back in 2014 but it was scrapped next season because it failed to deliver in accordance with the expectations.

The change in the schedule means that players who are currently involved in county cricket in England will have to leave their commitments unfulfilled and return home early because the departments have issued a deadline of August 15 for players to report at the team camp.

They will suffer from a deduction in their payments as they will go against their contractual obligations. The decision may also result in hampering the players’ chances of securing a new contract next season as the county sides are reluctant about signing players who can’t stay for the agreed period of time.

The cricket regulatory authority has asked the departments to submit a list of 25 players who will be featuring for the side along with the members of the support staff — which includes batting and bowling coaches, trainer and physiotherapist.

The domestic season will start from September 1, unlike last year when it began on September 26.