Reports | PCB make it mandatory for players to appear in domestic matches to qualify for national team

“For example, Muhammad Amir who has now retired from Test cricket has to play in the domestic One-Day cup and National T20 competitions to be considered for national selection,” the PCB source told PTI.

Similarly, players who are active in Test cricket, are now required to play first-class matches. Pakistan’s first-class competition will be limited to just six provincial teams, while 16 regional teams will compete in division two (three-day) tournament besides the national one-day cup and T20 competitions. The board will offer domestic contracts to 34 players selected for a provincial side, in the initial stage. However, the official confirmed that the revised structure was only being finalised as the board would have several amendments to be made to its constitution first.

Since the launch of the league in 2016, a majority of the matches have been held in Dubai and Sharjah as foreign players were reluctant to travel to Pakistan because of security concerns. However, the PCB has informed its franchises that when the players draft takes place later this year, they must only sign on those overseas players who are willing to come and play in Pakistan.