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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to provide a substantial boost to central contracts, potentially resulting in a windfall for Pakistani cricketers. Against the backdrop of discussions surrounding players’ involvement in overseas T20 leagues, the PCB is reportedly prepared to offer a remarkable fourfold increase compared to last year’s top-tier contracts.
Players set to reap rewards with a historic surge in new contracts
According to ESPNCricinfo‘s report, prominent players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi could potentially earn a staggering PKR 4.5 million (approximately USD 15,900) per month. Earlier, their monthly retainer was $4700. Departing from previous contracts, which were segmented between red- and white-ball players, the new contracts will introduce a classification system dividing players into four distinct categories.
As per the reports, Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen, due to their roles as an all-format player, are slated to fall under Category A.
Meanwhile, Category B players could receive around PKR 3 million (approximately USD 10,600), while players in Category C and Category D are projected to earn between PKR 0.75-1.5 million (approximately USD 2,650-5,300). This development surfaces shortly before the anticipated implementation of the ICC’s fresh revenue distribution model next year, contributing to an estimated increase of PKR 9.6 billion in the PCB’s earnings.
While senior players who are sought after in other countries have been lucratively rewarded, others have been in need of enhanced compensation. The PCB acknowledges the significance of foreign T20 leagues, acknowledging that Pakistani players have been excluded from tournaments that offer transformative financial opportunities.
This prospective increment could prove to be a pivotal change in Pakistan Cricket, particularly benefiting players within the lower salary brackets. The limited involvement of Pakistani cricketers in foreign T20 leagues due to the PCB’s regulations has further affected their income. Ongoing discussions regarding new domestic contracts suggest that they too may witness a rise in remuneration. However, while these new terms are a welcome development, unresolved issues between the board and players persist.
Discussion on Pakistan players’ participation in T20 leagues
Pakistani cricketers have often been regarded as among the most underpaid globally, primarily due to their absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and restrictions on participating in private leagues abroad. The latter concern led to a standoff last year, with the men’s team declining to sign the contracts presented by the Ramiz Raja-led administration.
As per the report, players in the top two contract categories will likely be permitted to participate in one league outside the Pakistan Super League (PSL), while those in lower categories may participate in multiple leagues. This shift signifies a potential landmark change in the cricketing landscape, addressing financial imbalances and fostering a more equitable environment for Pakistani cricketers.
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