The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a three-year central contract for its senior players, effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. A total of 25 cricketers have been granted central contracts, categorized into four groups.
Category A includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Category B comprises Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan. Category C features Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique, while Category D includes Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and others.
The PCB has significantly increased the monthly retainers for these players, with ICC revenue contributing to their overall earnings. For example, Category A players like Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen will receive Rs6 million monthly, Category B players will earn Rs4.1 million monthly, Category C players will get Rs1.75 million per month, and Category D players will receive Rs1.13 million per month.
In addition to the monthly retainers, the PCB’s new contract structure aims to provide financial stability and incentives for performance. This move is expected to motivate players to maintain high standards on the field. The increased pay reflects the PCB’s commitment to valuing its top talent and ensuring they are adequately rewarded for their contributions.
This new structure also aligns the earnings of Pakistani cricketers with international standards, making it competitive within the global cricket community. With these enhancements, the PCB hopes to foster a more professional and performance-driven environment within the team.
