Match-Fixing Culprits Could Be Fined From 0.5 Million to 2.0 Million Rupees - - New Clauses Added in The Players' Central Contract by PCB

Lahore, Mar. 28: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced clauses in its central contract, which were offered to the players recently, that has mention of a ban and or a fine on cricketers found involved in match-fixing and ball tampering.

"Under the new clauses, if a player is found involved in match-fixing, betting or ball-tampering, he could be fined 0.5 million to 2 million rupees and face a ban of a maximum five matches," sources said.

Upset over the recent controversies, the PCB's list of do's and don'ts for players also mentions a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 rupees for using mobile phones in the dressing room or ground, and a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 rupees for not attending an official function.

Keeping in mind the Indian Cricket League (ICL) incident, where many former and current cricketers joined the rebel league without the PCB's permission, the board has also introduced a fine of half a million to five million rupees and a ban ranging from one to five years for entering into any contract with any foreign league or club without its permission.

"There is a fine of 500,000 to five million rupees and ban of a maximum of six matches for giving threatening statements against the PCB, talking about retirement in the media, giving comments on sensitive issues, criticising board or match officials or fellow players or absenting oneself from cricket without reason," The Nation quoted sources, as saying.

The PCB has offered the year-long central contract to all rounder Shahid Afridi, the Akmal brothers (Umar and Kamran) and 37 other cricketers.

The contracts will be valid from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

While players like Afridi, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal have been placed in the 'A' category, batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, opener Imran Farhat and middle order batsman Umar Akmal are bracketed in 'B' category.

Surprisingly, young pacer Mohammad Aamer is also in the 'B' category despite performing well throughout last year.

In addition to the three categories, the board has introduced a special 'stipend' category, which has been offered to top domestic and under-19 cricketers.

Senior players like Mohammed Yousuf and Younis Khan, who have been banned for an indefinite period, and controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar have been denied any central contract by the PCB.