AZHAR MASOOD KHAN LAHORE - Former national cricketers and women cricket players welcomed the decisions of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Governing Body on Tuesday. The PCB Governing Body's meeting, which was held recently at the PCB Headquarters under the chair of its Chief Ijaz Butt, took some important decisions for the promotion of cricket at grass-root level across the country. The decisions were highly appreciated by the cricket circles and former players with the hope that it would prove helpful for promotion of the game in the country. It may be recalled that the PCB Governing Board, in its recent meeting, has decided to offer central contracts to women cricketers as well as regional men cricketers. Moreover, the meeting has decided to enhance the pensions of the former players, over-60 age, and appointment of officials in PCB on different vacant posts. The central contracts decision for women cricketers would enable them to come in the field of cricket which is a good omen. "We want to encourage our female players for their outstanding performance in the Asian Games recently held in China for winning the cricket gold medal, definitely help in giving financial boost," said a spokesman of the PCB. Sana Mir, captain of Pakistan, while appreciating the decision welcomed the cricket boards move and said: "It's a positive step from the PCB which would help women to come in the field of cricket." There are around 600 women players in Pakistan under 19 years of age and around 1,200 seniors, whose earnings are very low. In the conservative Muslim country, women avoid playing in open fields, but military ruler Pervez Musharraf made it possible for women to play on grounds and then women wing of the PCB was created in 2005. The PCB has awarded central contracts to men players since 2007 and the top players being paid between Rs 100,000 to 250,000 per month. The PCB also decided to increase the stipend for former Pakistan players over the age of 60 which is a good news for the retired employees of the board. The inclusion of Justice (retd) Sayed Akhtar and Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chohan in the Panel of Independent Arbitrators was also praised. They would surely solve the judicial matters of the PCB in a good manner. The establishment of Domestic Cricket Improvement Committee and Scrutiny Committee is another pragmatic step of the PCB which would assist in supporting grass-root level cricket and discourage the non-active clubs. Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Moin Khan termed the PCB decision a good omen for women which will boost cricket adding that the enhancement in pension of the former players would also help them to brought up their children and family. Former magician Abdul Qadir and opener Aamir Sohail when contacted, also expressed the same kind of views and hailed the decision. Commenting on this measure taken by the BOG, PCB Chief Ijaz Butt said, "We are extremely grateful to the BOG for approving this measure for the benefit of our former players and they are our national assets and this decision by the BOG will send a positive message to them that the PCB values the services that they have given to Pakistan." All the steps taken by the PCB Governing Board are admirable and the need of hour is their timely implementation for the promotion of the game across the country.