Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently unveiled the specifics of remuneration provided to national cricketers under their current central contracts. This announcement comes amidst scrutiny of the team’s early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, prompting the board to consider revisions to the players’ central contracts.
According to the details, the top-tier “Category A” players, including the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, receive a monthly salary of Rs. 4.5 million. Meanwhile, the “Category B” cricketers, such as Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan, earn Rs. 3 million per month. Players in “Category C and D,” such as Imad Wasim, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Saim Ayub, are paid between Rs. 750,000 to Rs. 1.5 million per month.
In addition to the monthly retainers, players also receive match fees, win bonuses across all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I), and sponsorship perks. The existing three-year central contracts were awarded last year, effective from July 1, 2023, following pressure from players for increased remuneration.
However, the recent underperformance at the T20 World Cup has put some of the top performers, such as captain Babar Azam and wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, at risk of being demoted from the coveted Category A. Despite potential contract changes, PCB has assured that players’ salaries will not be reduced.
The board is currently awaiting reports from head coach Gary Kirsten and senior manager Wahab Riaz before making any final decisions on central contracts. Interestingly, concerns exist that players may refuse central contracts if demoted and opt to play freely without associated restrictions.
PCB is treading carefully, as significant changes to central contracts could have far-reaching implications for national team stability and performance. As the cricket community eagerly awaits the outcome of PCB’s review, the spotlight remains on players’ remuneration and the board’s ability to strike a balance between rewarding performance and maintaining a cohesive team dynamic.
