ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a new policy requiring all centrally contracted international players to participate in at least one domestic tournament each season.
The decision, made during a high-level strategy session at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, marks a powerful shift toward nurturing local talent and building a sustainable pipeline for national success.
The meeting, attended by top PCB officials including Head Coach Mike Hesson, COO Sameer Ahmed, Team Manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Director International Cricket Usman Wahla, Director High Performance Centres Aqib Javed, and Pakistan captain Salman Agha, covered crucial ground.
Discussions included preparations for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as away tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh.
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of rebuilding and investing in domestic cricket as a feeder system for the national side.
“Our rising stars need to share dressing rooms with seasoned internationals. That’s how we build experience, confidence, and quality backups,” he said.
Work on new central contracts for players has also been greenlit, as the PCB continues its mission to align professionalism with performance.
Director International Cricket Usman Wahla presented a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming fixtures, noting logistical and training plans for the national squads.
On the security front, Chairman Naqvi took a moment to applaud the flawless security arrangements made for the recent Bangladesh series.
He extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, praising the Punjab government, Lahore Police, Pakistan Army, Rangers, and other agencies for ensuring a safe and festive environment for fans across all three matches.
“This was a team effort beyond the cricket field,” said Naqvi. “From the police officers on duty to government leadership at the top, every hand played a part in making Pakistan cricket stronger and safer.”
With domestic cricket now placed firmly at the heart of national strategy and international tours fast approaching, the PCB appears determined to script a new chapter—one where talent is nurtured at home, and national glory begins on domestic grounds.
