PCB close to agreeing to Pakistan players' central contract demands

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the central contracts next week.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is all set to provide a significant increase in remuneration to its players, recognizing their talent and dedication to the sport.

According to the details, the initial term for the central contracts of the national cricketers, which was scheduled to conclude on June 30th, has now expired. Nevertheless, the issuance of new contracts has not taken place at this juncture.

Prominent senior players have presented a range of requests to the cricket board, encompassing enhanced remuneration among other matters. These deliberations pertaining to the players' requests have been in progress for a considerable duration.

According to sources, a number of players have voiced contentment with the new contracts, fostering optimism that additional players will also reach agreements in the near future. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce these contracts in the upcoming week.

Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Management Committee, recently engaged with the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC) to deliberate on matters concerning the central contracts. 

These discussions have now culminated in concrete recommendations. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the newly appointed Chief Selector, has also shared his insights on this matter.

Several players have expressed willingness to accept even more than double their current earnings. While efforts continue to convince a few players regarding specific aspects, it is anticipated that they will also accede in due course.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is introducing enhanced flexibility for players to engage in international leagues. Cricketers categorized as 'A' will be permitted to participate in one T20 league annually, while those in 'B' can join two leagues each year. 'C' category cricketers will have the opportunity to take part in up to three leagues annually. However, top Pakistan players have conveyed a desire for further flexibility within this policy.

In a recent interview with Cricket Pakistan, Zaka Ashraf divulged the board's commitment to generously compensate cricketers, underlining his belief that the board's vitality stems from the cricketers themselves.

Distinguished players representing all three formats, including the captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have been extended a substantial monthly retainer of PKR 4.5 million each. A notable proposition has been put forth to grant Category B players a monthly pay of 3 million rupees. This marks a significant contrast from the previous contract terms, where red-ball players were receiving 1.1 million rupees monthly, while their white-ball counterparts were allotted 0.95 million rupees. In other categories, an eager increase will also be added to players' compensations.

The proposition to distribute proceeds from ICC among the players did not find favor, yet the players remain optimistic that a favorable resolution may be reached in the future, even if not in the immediate year.

Recent days have witnessed a doubling of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) share, now amounting to a substantial $34 million annually, courtesy of the revised ICC financial model. 

Test match fees for national cricketers is also likely to be increased. Encouraging strides have also been taken with respect to individual sponsorship agreements, instilling a sense of assurance among the players.

It is worth noting that the previous Test match fee stood at 838,530 rupees, while One Day International matches commanded a fee of 515,696 rupees, and T20 International matches carried a fee of 372,750 rupees.