Last Update on: November 14th, 2023 at 10:37 am
Following Pakistan’s poor performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, internal conflicts and accusations have escalated within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). There are allegations suggesting players pushed for a pay increase, with the blame directed at them for placing financial gain above their commitment to national duties.
As per Cricket Pakistan, the national cricket team players are all set for a substantial increase in their salaries, including elite-level players potentially receiving a pay rise of over 200%. The report highlights that the players were firm in their stance for an improved pay structure ahead of their participation in the ICC World Cup 2023.
PCB Divide Centrally Contracted Players Into Four Categories
Players in the top category like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are expected to see a substantial 202% rise in their monthly salary, potentially reaching 45 lakh Pakistan rupees, according to specific details reportedly disclosed by a PCB source.
Players in various categories are on the verge of significant pay hikes in their central contracts. B-category players such as Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Shadab Khan are expected to receive a 144% increase, bringing their monthly salary to 30 lakh PKR.
Players in the C category, such as Imad Wasim and Noman Ali, will receive a 135% hike, totaling around 17.60 lakh Pakistani rupees. D-category players, which include Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf, can expect a 127% rise, with a monthly pay of 11.32 lakh Pakistani rupees.
We Have Reached A Fair And beneficial agreement – Babar Azam
Babar Azam, a pivotal figure in the negotiations for revised contracts, hailed the deal as historic and expressed great satisfaction, highlighting that the agreement was fair and beneficial for both the players and the PCB.
“It is by far a historic deal. I am extremely happy and satisfied that we have reached an agreement with the PCB. It has been a lengthy and, at times, challenging negotiation process, but I believe we have reached a fair and beneficial agreement for both parties,” Babar said before the World Cup.
Pakistan Central Contracts List
Category A: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Category B: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shadab Khan
Category C: Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Imad Wasim and Noman Ali
Category D: Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan.
