The contracts for Pakistan's cricketers during the 2022-23 season expired on June 30th, but there hasn't been a comprehensive agreement on the new contract terms up to this point. Senior players have raised various demands, including higher salaries, and these negotiations have been ongoing for a significant period.
Under the proposed contract structure, top cricketers across all three formats, such as Captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, were offered an impressive monthly retainer fee of PKR 4.5 million each, while B-category players were offered PKR 3 million per month. However, players are concerned that, after taxes and deductions, they would receive only around PKR 2.2 to 2.3 million, which is why they are pushing for further increases.
Recent reports suggested that contract issues had been resolved, and contract announcements were imminent. However, a deadlock emerged regarding commercial contracts. The cricket board believes that some players are more interested in participating in leagues, securing lucrative contracts, and pursuing commercial deals rather than giving their best in international cricket.
A senior player had even stated a few months ago that he wouldn't sign a contract with the PCB after being denied NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for league participation. However, he was eventually convinced by the PCB to sign. The board is determined to maintain control and prevent players from playing without contracts, despite this trend emerging in several other countries.
PCB sources have emphasized that historically, players did not refuse central contracts, and they hope that all players will eventually accept the terms. Positive negotiations are ongoing in this regard.