LAHORE Captain Shoaib Malik stressed on Tuesday the formation of a cricketers` association in Pakistan, on the lines of bodies in several cricket-playing countries, for the welfare and benefit of the players.

`In almost all other cricketing countries such associations exist and if it is good for the welfare of (the) cricketers then it should also be formed in Pakistan,` Malik told the media here on Tuesday.

A move was launched to form a former Test cricketers association during the home series against India in 2004. However, the cricketers failed to form a body.

Malik`s statement, coming at a time when he is expected to get an extension as the national captain at the end of December, may send wrong signals to the PCB authorities as such associations are known for pressurising their cricket boards on certain issues.

To a question about the players` demand regarding the new central contract with the PCB, which will take effect from Jan 1, 2009, Malik said the when the board negotiates with the players on fresh terms and conditions he would express his views then.

There is a possibility, according to reports, that the number of new central contracts is likely to be reduced. But a PCB official, on the condition of anonymity, told Dawn that there was no such move for the Test and international players.

Malik, who was criticised by Mohammad Yousuf for allegedly disregarding him which forced the middle-order batting sensation to join the breakaway ICL recently, said he had great respect for Yousuf, adding he was not responding to (Yousuf`s) views.

Malik, who has to lead Sialkot Stallions outfit in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India next month, said though his side was suffering due to the ban on some of the cricketers for featuring in the ICL, his boys were well prepared for the mega event, adding the playing conditions in India would be favourable.

The Pakistan skipper further noted that the Champions League gave players a good opportunity to display their performance in order to get better packages for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) contest.

The cricketers have stepped up efforts to establish a professional association similar to ones in Australia, England and South Africa.

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan vice-captain, submitted a proposal with the constitution committee of the Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) and the Sports Ministry last week calling for cricketers to have their association.

Misbah asked for it to be recognised by the PCB and necessary amendments to be made in the constitution.

Malik added his support on Tuesday, saying `There is nothing wrong with having a cricketers association which can look after the welfare and rights of the players.`

Meanwhile, senior batsman Younis Khan said the association could ensure players were consulted in all important decisions.