The contracts for Pakistan’s cricketers during the 2022-23 season expiredon June 30th, but there hasn’t been a comprehensive agreement on the newcontract terms up to this point. Senior players have raised variousdemands, including higher salaries, and these negotiations have beenongoing for a significant period.
Under the proposed contract structure, top cricketers across all threeformats, such as Captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen ShahAfridi, were offered an impressive monthly retainer fee of PKR 4.5 millioneach, while B-category players were offered PKR 3 million per month.However, players are concerned that, after taxes and deductions, they wouldreceive only around PKR 2.2 to 2.3 million, which is why they are pushingfor further increases.
Recent reports suggested that contract issues had been resolved, andcontract announcements were imminent. However, a deadlock emerged regardingcommercial contracts. The cricket board believes that some players are moreinterested in participating in leagues, securing lucrative contracts, andpursuing commercial deals rather than giving their best in internationalcricket.
A senior player had even stated a few months ago that he wouldn’t sign acontract with the PCB after being denied NOCs (No Objection Certificates)for league participation. However, he was eventually convinced by the PCBto sign. The board is determined to maintain control and prevent playersfrom playing without contracts, despite this trend emerging in severalother countries.
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PCB sources have emphasized that historically, players did not refusecentral contracts, and they hope that all players will eventually acceptthe terms. Positive negotiations are ongoing in this regard.
