Pakistan will shortly follow the lead of other countries by offering central contracts to leading players.

Having persisted for years with a payment system based on seniority, the Pakistan Cricket Board plans to offer central contracts by the end of the month.

"We have taken a decision and are working out the details of these central contracts. It is a move to improve relations with the players," PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan told Reuters on Friday.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq and his deputy Yousuf Youhana have led demands for the PCB to introduce a central contracts system.

The Board initially rejected the demands on financial grounds but Khan said the recent home series against India had generated around $23 million.

"We have made it clear to the players we can't give them the money in their central contracts that India, Australia or England can afford. We will work things out according to our capacity," Khan added.

The Indian series lifted Pakistan cricket after several cancelled and relocated tours due to security concerns following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Under the existing match-fees payment system, Inzamam, who has played 94 Tests and 312 One-Day Internationals, earns close to 240,000 rupees ($4,200) for a ODI. Players in the lowest tier receive only 60,000 rupees ($1,000).

Khan said central contracts would be offered to 15 players.