PCB should resolve contracts controversy, says Ramiz

Karachi, Jan 21 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja suggested Wednesday that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should resolve the controversy over the central contracts.

To avoid similar controversies in the future, the PCB should focus on improving the pay structure at the first-class level, he said. 'Central contracts is an important issue and needs to be resolved (by the board),' said the former Test opener.

'I personally believe that efforts should be made to fix things at the domestic level. Players should get better pays there. If that happens, then things will also get better at the higher level.'

The PCB has been under fire over the 27 players awarded central contracts earlier this month. Critics say several deserving cricketers have been ignored and that some players were given undue promotions. The board has appointed a four-man committee, headed by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, to review the central contracts.

Speaking on the issue of playing matches at neutral venues, Ramiz Raja said it was Pakistan's only option at this point in time as most top teams are unwilling to come here because of the prevailing situation.

He hoped that things would improve soon and Pakistan could have matches at home. The PCB is planning to host a one-day series against Australia at a neutral venue this April.

Ramiz said he was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Pakistan team in its ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. He said that Shoaib Malik has improved as pakistan captain while his boys are also living up to the challenge. Pakistan thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the series opener in Karachi on Tuesday.