Aaqib Javed backs separate teams for each cricket format

Pakistan’s Director of High Performance, Aaqib Javed, has said that the new central contract structure is only the first step toward eventually creating separate teams for each cricket format.

Aaqib Javed explained that it may become necessary to have dedicated squads for Test, ODI, and T20 cricket, particularly because Test and T20 formats require very different skill sets.

“This is the first step. Eventually, every format could have a separate team. We will have to do this. At least Test and T20 teams will need to be separated because the two formats cannot be managed in the same way.”

He said that under the previous system, some players were treated unfairly because Test specialists were compared directly with T20 players. Under the new structure, players will be evaluated and rewarded according to the format they play.

Aaqib explained that top-performing Test cricketers could earn up to PKR 4 million per month, while others in the category would receive between PKR 3 million and PKR 3.5 million. Players in the Test-ODI and ODI-T20 categories will also be compensated based on performance rankings.

He further outlined the eligibility requirements for the new categories:

* A player must play six first-class matches to qualify for the Test category.
* The Test-ODI category will require at least four first-class and four List A matches.
* Test-category players will receive NOCs for overseas four-day competitions.
* Test-ODI players may receive one franchise-cricket NOC.
* ODI-T20 players must play at least two List A matches and ten T20 matches and can receive two NOCs.
* T20-only players will be required to participate in domestic T20 cricket but may otherwise play franchise cricket freely.

According to Aaqib, salaries in the Test-ODI category could rise to as much as PKR 4.8 million per month.

He emphasized that the goal is to ensure players focus on their primary format rather than trying to maintain equal involvement across all formats.

“We want players to concentrate on the format they belong to. Test players should focus on Test cricket. Our Test cricket is struggling. You cannot play T20 cricket for three or four years and then suddenly return to Test cricket and expect to bowl or bat effectively for long periods.”

Aaqib described the Development (Category D) group as the most important category. It is expected to include 16 to 20 players who will be groomed from an early stage according to their designated formats.

He also hinted that changes to Pakistan’s T20 side are likely, noting that the recently announced Asia Cup squad reflects ongoing adjustments.

According to him, the purpose of central contracts is to ensure commitment from players—not only to international cricket but also to domestic competitions.

“The commitment is that you will play international cricket and domestic cricket. When that commitment was not fulfilled, we suffered the consequences.”

Referring to Pakistan’s recent struggles in Test cricket, he said:

“We finished eighth in the last World Test Championship cycle, and now look where we stand. Someone has to take responsibility and build a proper system.”

He added that players who fail to meet domestic participation requirements in their designated formats could have their contracts suspended.

Aaqib concluded by saying that the new categories are primarily salary-based but are also intended to guide players toward specializing in their chosen formats. However, if a player is needed in another format, they can still be selected to represent Pakistan.