PCB Nearing Agreement on Central Contract Demands of Pakistan Players

Mainul Islam

August 11, 2023

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Mainul Islam

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PCB Nearing Agreement on Central Contract Demands of Pakistan Players

Anticipated Announcement of Revised Contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up to unveil the new central contracts for its players in the upcoming week.

Acknowledging Players' Dedication

Recognizing the talent and unwavering dedication of its players to the sport, the PCB is poised to offer substantial increases in remuneration.

Expiry of Initial Contracts

The initial term of the national cricketers’ central contracts, which was set to conclude on June 30th, has expired. However, the issuance of fresh contracts has been delayed due to ongoing discussions.

Players' Requests and Ongoing Deliberations

Prominent senior players have presented a range of requests to the PCB, primarily focused on enhanced remuneration and other matters. These discussions have been ongoing for a significant period.

Optimism Amidst Negotiations

Several players have expressed contentment with the proposed new contracts, raising optimism that more players will reach agreements soon. The PCB is poised to formally announce these contracts in the coming week.

Committee Involvement and Recommendations

Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Management Committee, has engaged with the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC) to address matters related to central contracts. Their discussions have resulted in concrete recommendations. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the newly appointed Chief Selector, has also contributed insights to this process.

Flexibility in International Leagues Participation

The PCB is introducing greater flexibility for players to participate in international leagues. Depending on their categorization, players will be allowed to engage in one to three T20 leagues annually. Top players, however, are requesting further flexibility within this policy.

Generous Compensation for Distinguished Players

Notable players across all formats, including captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have been offered substantial monthly retainers of PKR 4.5 million each. Category B players are proposed to receive a monthly pay of 3 million rupees. These figures represent significant increases compared to the previous contract terms.

Potential Increase in Test Match Fees

The PCB is considering raising test match fees for national cricketers. Positive strides have also been made in individual sponsorship agreements, providing players with added assurance.

ICC Proceeds Distribution

While the proposal to distribute ICC proceeds among players did not gain traction, players remain hopeful for a favorable resolution in the future.

Revised ICC Financial Model Impact

Thanks to the revised ICC financial model, the PCB’s share has doubled to a substantial $34 million annually.

Increment in Match Fees

The previous match fees for Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals are expected to witness an increase, further supporting players’ efforts.

It’s important to note that the figures mentioned, such as the previous Test match fee and match fees for different formats, were accurate as of the last update and may have changed since then.

Last Updated: Aug 11, 2023