Table of Contents
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has brought an end to the uncertainty surrounding the central contracts for Pakistan men’s cricketers by confirming a groundbreaking agreement that introduces three-year contracts, a significant increase in player earnings, and a share of revenue from the PCB’s ICC earnings. This historic decision marks a significant shift from the traditional one-year contracts.
Landmark three-year contracts
For the first time in Pakistan’s cricket history, players will be signed to three-year central contracts, a departure from the customary 12-month deals. This move provides greater stability and security for players, allowing them to focus more on their game without the annual contract negotiations.
Increased player earnings and revenue sharing
Under these new contracts, players can anticipate a substantial boost in their earnings. In addition to their monthly retainers, players will receive a fixed share of the revenue generated by the PCB from its ICC-related activities. This progressive step is aimed at ensuring that players are rewarded more fairly for their contributions to the national team.
Merger of red-ball and white-ball contracts
One of the key changes in the central contracts is the amalgamation of red-ball and white-ball contracts. This decision, proposed by the central contract committee, seeks to evaluate players in terms of their contributions to match victories and promotes fairness and transparency in the selection process.
Also READ: ICC Rankings 2023 – Shubman Gill fells short as Babar Azam holds the top spot
Four categories with significant retainer increases
The list of contracted players will be divided into four categories, with each category receiving substantial increases in monthly retainers. The incorporation of revenue from ICC activities will contribute to the overall monthly remuneration. The breakdown of categories and the respective percentage increases are as follows:
- Category A (3 players): 202% increase
- Category B (6 players): 144% increase
- Category C (2 players): 135% increase
- Category D (14 players): 127% increase
List of Players Offered Contracts
The following players have been offered central contracts in their respective categories:
Category A: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Category B: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan
Category C: Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique
Category D: Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, hailed the agreement as historic and expressed his satisfaction and happiness. Babar commended Chairman Zaka Ashraf for his personal involvement and commitment to Pakistan cricket throughout the negotiation process. He sees this agreement as a new chapter in the players’ careers and Pakistan cricket, providing a solid foundation as they prepare for the ICC Men’s World Cup.
“It is a historic deal. I am extremely happy and satisfied that we have reached an agreement with the PCB. It has been a lengthy and, at times, challenging negotiation process, but I believe we have reached a fair and beneficial agreement for both parties. I would like to extend my special thanks to Chairman Zaka Ashraf for personally overseeing and facilitating these negotiations. He took a personal interest and his commitment to Pakistan cricket is truly commendable,” said Babar in an official statement.
“This agreement signifies a new chapter in players’ careers and in Pakistan cricket. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all players towards the game and now we are all geared up ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup,” added Babar.
