RAWALPINDI, April 14: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says it does not have the funds to introduce central contracts for its players. Pakistan vice-captain Yousuf Youhana had urged the board on Tuesday to introduce a contract system to stem a surge in injuries among top players.

"Introducing a central contract system means a payment of approximately $320,000 per year to each player," Ramiz Raja, chief executive of the PCB said on Wednesday. "We're not in a position to do that."

Pakistani players are currently paid per match according to a grading system based on seniority. Youhana said contracts would protect players from injuries sustained by playing abroad in the off-season.

The PCB has made a huge profit from the current home series against India. "We've earned over $21 million from this series, which is twice the amount we have in our reserves," Ramiz said. "But we have to spend this money on improving our first-class and junior structure, our academy programmes and on other development projects." -Reuters