Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign may be over, but the aftershocks are only beginning.
Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir has alleged that certain senior players effectively forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into revising central contracts in 2023, claiming financial demands were prioritised over performance. Speaking on the Haarna Marna Hai show, Amir lifted the lid on what he described as behind-the-scenes pressure tactics tied to monthly retainers.
Amir questions player accountability
Amir began by criticising sections of the fanbase who, he believes, shield specific players from scrutiny.
“You know what people here say? The moment you mention the names of two or three players, some people immediately rush to defend them, often in the wrong way. They ask, Why only these two or three players? Why are they being criticized?” Mohammad Amir said on the Haarna Marna Hai show.
He then connected that defence to contract negotiations that took place two years ago.
“Let me explain why they’re being criticised. In 2023, they refused to sign central contracts. They wanted contracts on their own terms and demanded specific salaries. They made it clear that they wanted 6.5 million per month otherwise, they would not sign the central contract,” he alleged on the same show.
According to Amir, the PCB ultimately revised its payment structure under pressure.
“Eventually, they were given salaries according to their own demands. Category A was set at PKR 6.5 million (approx. US$ 23.25K) per month, while Category B comes to around PKR 4.5 million (approx. US$ 16.1K) after tax. They said they wouldn’t sign unless their conditions were met,” he said.
‘Where are the results?’
For Amir, the core issue is not player earnings — but performance alignment with those earnings.
“When players assert their demands like this, their names will inevitably come up. But then the question remains, where are the results? It’s not right to keep defending them by claiming they’ve been treated unfairly,” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of Pakistan’s elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite a dramatic five-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy, Pakistan finished third in their Super Eights group on net run rate with three points, as New Zealand and England progressed to the semi-finals.
Governance pressure intensifies
Amir’s comments now place fresh focus on the PCB’s contract structure and player leverage within the system. His central argument is that financial negotiations and public accountability cannot operate in isolation — especially when national team results fail to match expectations.
