In a historic development for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully negotiated a groundbreaking three-year central contracts deal with its senior players. The agreement is set to be in effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026, and encompasses 25 cricketers, offering them a significant share of the International Cricket Council (ICC) revenue.
One of the notable changes in this deal is the merger of red-ball and white-ball national contracts. This decision, proposed by the central contract committee, aims to assess players in terms of their contribution to match victories, promoting fairness and a transparent selection process.
The players’ list is divided into four categories, each with substantial increases in monthly retainers, and the ICC revenue will be integrated into their overall monthly remuneration as follows:
Category A (3 players): 202%
Category B (6 players): 144%
Category C (2 players): 135%
Category D (14 players): 127%
Here is the list of players and their respective categories who have been offered central contracts:
Category A: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Category B: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan
Category C: Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique
Category D: Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan
This landmark agreement also includes substantial increases in match fees: a 50% increment in Test matches, a 25% raise in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and a 12.5% hike in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Centrally contracted players who participate in domestic cricket will receive 50% of their international match fee, further bolstering their earnings. Additionally, players are allowed to participate in two foreign leagues each season.
While the financial model of the contracts will remain fixed for the three-year term, player performance will undergo regular reviews every 12 months to ensure that rewards align with contributions.
PCB Management Committee Chairperson, Zaka Ashraf, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the PCB’s commitment to the financial well-being of its players. He stated, “We believe that our players are the true assets of Pakistan cricket, and it is our utmost priority to ensure their well-being and provide them with the best possible services.”
Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, echoed the sentiments, describing the deal as “historic” and expressing his gratitude to Chairman Zaka Ashraf for his personal involvement in the negotiations.
Usman Wahla, PCB Director – International Cricket Operations, hailed the agreement as a “monumental step” that recognizes the value of Pakistani cricketers, both on and off the field.
As Pakistan gears up for the ICC Men’s World Cup, this groundbreaking central contracts deal symbolizes a new era in the careers of these players and marks a significant milestone in Pakistan cricket’s history. Fans eagerly await the performances of these talented individuals on the international stage.
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