New Player Payment Structure Approved
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has endorsed a revised player payment structure and increased match fees for national cricketers. This decision was made during the 84th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting, which also approved a surplus budget for the 2026–27 financial year. The meeting, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, saw members unanimously approve the financial plans for the upcoming year, alongside the budget for the 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A significant outcome of the meeting is the approval of a new central contract model for Pakistan’s men’s cricketers. This new framework replaces the previous category-based system with a five-track structure that considers players’ specialisation in different formats. Under this new model, players will be categorised into:
- Track AB for Test and ODI regulars
- Track A for Test specialists
- Track BC for ODI and T20I players
- Track C for T20 specialists
- Track D for emerging cricketers in the development pathway
The PCB also approved an increase in match fees for the Pakistan men’s team as part of this revised payment mechanism, though specific figures were not disclosed during the BoG meeting.
Boost for Domestic Cricket and Infrastructure
Domestic cricket is set to receive a substantial financial boost, with the PCB increasing its budget by PKR 1 billion. This allocation has risen from PKR 3 billion to PKR 4 billion, aiming to strengthen the country’s first-class and domestic cricket structure. Players participating in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QeAT) will also benefit from a significant pay rise. Match fees for these players have been increased from PKR 30,000 to PKR 100,000 per match, while reserve players will now receive PKR 50,000 per game, up from the previous PKR 15,000.
The Board has further approved funding for women’s One-Day and T20 tournaments, reaffirming its commitment to expanding the women’s domestic calendar. Infrastructure development was also a key focus of the meeting, with PKR 6.7 billion allocated for the upgradation of the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi and several other cricket facilities across Pakistan.
In addition, the PCB sanctioned funds to make 12 more cricket grounds operational, covering staffing and maintenance costs. The minimum monthly salary of regional ground staff was also increased to PKR 42,000. To enhance player development and performance analysis, the Board approved the installation of a biomechanics machine at the High Performance Centre in Lahore.
The domestic cricket season for 2026-27 is scheduled to commence in August. Departmental cricket tournaments are set to begin in September, a change from the December-January start of the previous two seasons. These tournaments include the four-day first-class President’s Trophy Grade-I, List A President’s Cup, and the three-day President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold and Silver tournaments.
The eight-team President’s Trophy and Cup will be crucial in the upcoming domestic season, with the PCB planning to collaborate closely with departmental teams to ensure high competition, player development, and the creation of stable and transparent revenue streams for domestic players. The eight-team President’s Cup One-Day tournament will be particularly in focus due to its role in preparing for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. The PCB will also work with departments across the four tournaments to maintain optimal fitness standards, including pre-season fitness tests for player selection. The Guest Player concept will be introduced for the upcoming departmental cricket season to maximise playing opportunities for centrally contracted and national pool players. The finalists of the President’s Trophy Grade-II Silver, which recently concluded in Faisalabad, are set to be promoted to the Gold tournament, while the bottom two teams of the Gold tier will be relegated.
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Source: brecorder.com
