The latest decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has triggered another controversy ahead of the mega event of the World Cup 2015. The PCB has offered only a three months central contract to 33 listed players, which has created unrest among the squad selected for the World Cup. The idea was inherited from the previous PCB led by then Chairman Najam Sethi with Shaharyar Khan as his right hand. The pattern is simple — the draft approved by Shaharyar Khan as governing council member has been implemented now when he is the Chairman. So it is a continuation of the old plan. However, the timing of its surfacing is very awkward. The PCB argues that the central contract is being extended for only three months because some senior players like Misbahul Haq, Younas Khan and Shahid Afridi will retire from One Day Internationals soon after the World Cup. Secondly, a clause does exist according to which the PCB can extend the contract up to six months. The unwanted controversy cannot be called sagacious in any way. Even if some seniors are retiring, what is the fault of the rest of the players who have also been lumped into this basket? This is total injustice with other existing and new players. The PCB should have kept in mind the World Cup before making any such move. Although almost all cricket boards have problems with players, yet the blunders, intrigues and follies committed by the PCB throughout its history have no parallel. It seems the PCB is bent upon making itself a controversy-prone board. Unfortunately in Pakistan, veteran players are not given due respect and dignity, which they deserve for their contribution to the country’s cricket. Players need to be nurtured, encouraged and appreciated; only then can they give their best to the game. At the crucial time of the upcoming World Cup, the PCB should have announced more incentives to encourage the players so that they could play without any pressure but the PCB has done quite the opposite. The resulting uncertainty about their careers will not yield positive results. The extension in contracts on the basis of performance is not a good formula in the case of class players. Even if very talented players are temporarily out of form, they should not be discouraged. Players are human beings, not machines. However, if any player persistently shows poor performance, he should be shown the door, but with grace and dignity. If the PCB wants to keep our World Cup hopes alive, it should review its decision and resolve the conflict immediately. *