A potential breakthrough in the ongoing dispute over central contracts within the cricketing realm seems to be on the horizon. Inside sources have indicated that Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has embarked on discussions with Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, aimed at resolving this issue, and there is an air of optimism that a resolution may be within grasp in the coming two days.
Ashraf has bestowed Inzamam with the responsibility of negotiating with the players. Notably, these cricketers share the same agent as Inzamam, potentially tipping the scales in his favor when it comes to persuading them to reach an agreement.
The heart of the matter revolves around the players' request for a share of the revenue generated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and sponsors. This practice is not currently in place in Pakistan, and implementing it swiftly poses a considerable challenge.
Initially, the board offered Category A players a monthly salary of 45 lakh per month, but they voiced their dissatisfaction, primarily due to substantial tax deductions. It is rumored that the board is now contemplating further salary increases to appease the players' demands.
In the last four months, cricketers have found themselves without any payments in the form of monthly retainers or match fees from the PCB. Nevertheless, the board has taken proactive steps to expedite these overdue payments, aiming to resolve this financial aspect of the dispute promptly.