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Lahore, Apr.9 (ANI): Despite having apprehensions over some of the clauses in the central contracts offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), national players have signed on the dotted line.

According to sources, cricketers were concerned over some clauses, such as the hefty penalties for players for talking to the media without the board’s permission and on the signing of contracts for foreign leagues.

PCB insiders said that players were particularly apprehensive about the clause making it mandatory for a player and his agent to seek prior permission of the board before signing any contract with a foreign club or team, and said they want the clause to be reviewed.

“Under the new conditions a player will have his salary deducted for the period he goes to play in a foreign league,” The Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

“The situation now is that after the recent ban and fine on seven senior players, most of the players are reluctant to lock horns with the board, unlike in the past. There is no doubt the players are on the defensive after the recent disciplinary action taken by the board, but they are also aware that the PCB has offered them more financial incentives in the contracts,” they said.

While players like Afridi, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal have been named in the ‘A’ category, veteran batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, opener Imran Farhat and middle order batsman Umar Akmal have been bracketed in the ‘B’ category of the central contract offered to 37 cricketers.

Surprisingly, young pacer Mohammad Aamer has also been given a ‘B’ category contract despite performing well through out 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,

The contracts are valid from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. (ANI)