The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to award central contracts to the national Under-19 team for the first time, a move announced by the board’s Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with the young squad.
The decision followed the team’s strong performances during its recent tour of England, where Pakistan’s Under-19 side beat England Under-19 3-1 in the series. Naqvi invited the players to Lahore after their return and met each of them individually to praise their efforts, according to head coach Shahid Anwar.
Naqvi told the players that central contracts would give young cricketers greater incentive to improve their performances. He said that rewarding good performances would boost the players’ confidence as they continue to develop their careers.
Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousuf said that the development camps held in Multan over the past two years had greatly benefited the squad and produced positive results. He added that meeting the PCB chairman and receiving central contracts for the first time was a source of great encouragement for the players.
Other members of the squad echoed that sentiment. Aalian Salman said that the central contracts would increase the players’ confidence and motivation, allowing them to focus more fully on their cricket. Jahangir Bilal said the financial support that comes with the contracts would also help young players support their families.
Rizwanullah thanked Naqvi and the PCB, stressing that the announcement of rewards and central contracts was a major source of encouragement for the emerging cricketers.
