LAHORE, Punjab: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced Pakistan U19 central contracts for the first time, extending formal financial support to players in the national Under-19 setup.
The PCB announced the decision after Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the Pakistan Under-19 squad following its tour of England, where the team won the four-match one-day series 3-1.
Pakistan completed the series victory on September 16 with a 200-run win over England Under-19 at Sir Paul Getty’s Ground in Wormsley. Pakistan posted 350 for four before dismissing England for 150 in 20.4 overs.
Head coach Shahid Anwar welcomed the contracts, saying recognition of strong performances would increase players’ confidence and motivate them to continue improving.
Captain Farhan Yousaf also credited the Under-19 development camps held in Multan over the past two years for helping the squad’s progress. He described the introduction of contracts at junior level as an encouraging development for the players.
Players Aliyan Salman, Jahangir Bilal and Rizwanullah said the contracts would improve morale, let young cricketers focus more on their development and provide financial support to their families.
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Pakistan’s England tour included one four-day match and four one-day games from September 2 to 16. The tourists won the first two one-dayers, lost the third by two runs and secured the series 3-1 with victory in the final match.
