LAHORE: The seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) brought Rs2 billion to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s reserves, according to a spokesperson.
The previous season, which took place earlier this year, was the first in PSL history to be entirely hosted in Pakistan, with matches taking place in Karachi and Lahore.
According to the official, the pandemic caused an Rs700 million loss for the PCB, which had to pay the six franchises Rs1 billion to move to the United Arab Emirates when the tournaments were postponed due to disruptions.
However, with the current influx, the PCB’s reserves have increased to Rs15 billion, indicating a “healthy financial condition,” according to a board official.
He said that the PSL’s next edition will be held in four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
Despite its good financial position, the PCB has decided not to increase the pension for retiring cricketers this year. The most recent increase occurred in 2019.
Annual pension increases were not part of the board’s policy, according to the spokesperson, and the situation was “under review.”
During Shaharyar Khan’s chairmanship, the PCB began rewarding retiring players monthly in 2004-05. The monthly pension range is between Rs42,000 and Rs55,000. It has been 18 years since the proposal was taken.
Some former cricketers are struggling financially because they participated in a time when the sport was not as profitable as it is now.
According to the spokesperson, player pay under central contracts for the fiscal year 2022-23 will be enhanced, as will the number of contracted players.
He said that two separate central contracts for white-ball and Test players are also under discussion. “Discussions are underway about giving contracts to more than 20 players in the next fiscal year,” he said.
According to the spokesperson, a fund to pay players who lose league cricket opportunities for national duty is also being considered.
