Disappointed over Shoaib Malik’s performance after his return to the national fold, the Pakistan Cricket Board has virtually ruled out any chances of giving a central contract to the former captain.
Malik was not awarded a central contract earlier in 2010 by the board since he was banned and fined with six other players for indiscipline and misconduct on their tour to Australia.
“I don't think Malik will get the central contract now for 2010 as he has failed to impress even the selectors with his performances in England,” one source in the board told PTI.
“He has played three Tests so far on the tour and despite being the senior most player in the team has failed to give any inspiring performances,” he added. Malik only came into the team for the England tour after the PCB reversed a 12-month ban and halved his fine of Rs 2 million.
The board’s move surprised the cricket fraternity as during the course of an investigation into the team’s poor show in Australia, Malik was blamed directly for causing unrest in the team, spreading intrigue and not supporting his captain.
“I don't think the selectors will now recommend his name for a central contract as they were told to recommend further names for the contract on basis of performances alone by the PCB,” the source said.
Malik being the senior-most player has in the past been given the A category slab of central contracts guaranteeing him a monthly salary of Rs 250,000 even if he does not play for Pakistan.
Malik along with Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan had failed to get new central contract after being slapped with fines and bans following the inquiry held by the board into the Australian tour’s performance.
Sources said that the PCB has asked the selectors for feedback as the contracts were due to be reviewed again later this month. PCB chairman Ijaz Butt had previously said Malik would get the central contract only after approval by the selection committee. Malik, one of the most experienced players in the team with 31 Tests and 192 ODIs, has scored just 89 runs in three Tests in England besides making 46 from his two outings in the Asia Cup that was held in Sri Lanka.
The sources, however, said that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar who was dropped for the Test series in England after playing in the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup one-day tournament in Sri Lanka, is likely to get recommended for a contract.
One source said that the PCB will also wait to see how Yousuf performs in the remaining matches in England when he makes his comeback to the team before deciding on a central contract for him.