The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved one of the most significant governance changes in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with the tournament set to operate with administrative and financial autonomy following decisions taken at the 84th meeting of the Board of Governors on Monday. Chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the meeting also delivered a series of financial commitments aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem, ranging from domestic competitions and player remuneration to infrastructure and women’s cricket.
“The Board approved the budget for the 12th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) and endorsed a proposal to grant the league administrative and financial autonomy,” the PCB said in an official statement following the meeting.
The decision represents a notable shift for the PSL, which has been administered directly by the PCB since its launch in 2016. Alongside approving the league’s budget for its 12th edition, the Board also signed off on a surplus budget for the 2026-27 financial year after reviewing the PCB’s financial outlook presented by Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza.
Domestic cricket receives increased backing
While the PSL autonomy decision headlined the meeting, the Board also approved a significant increase in funding for Pakistan’s domestic structure. The domestic cricket budget was raised by PKR 1 billion (approx. US$4 million), taking the overall allocation from PKR 3 billion (approx. US$11 million) to PKR 4 billion (approx. US$14 million), underlining the PCB’s intention to strengthen the pathway beneath the international game.
The Board also endorsed a revised central contracts framework and payment model for Pakistan’s national cricketers, with higher match fees forming part of the new structure.
Domestic first-class players were among the biggest beneficiaries. Match fees for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy were increased from PKR 30,000 (approx. US$108) to PKR 100,000 (approx. US$360) per match, while reserve players will now receive PKR 50,000 (approx. US$180), compared with PKR 15,000 (approx. US$54) previously.
Women’s domestic cricket also secured additional support, with funding approved for One-Day and T20 competitions as the PCB looks to provide a more structured competitive calendar for female players.
Investment extends beyond the playing field
Infrastructure development was another major focus of the Board meeting. The PCB approved PKR 6.70 billion (approx. US$24 million) for the redevelopment of the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi and wider cricket infrastructure projects across Pakistan, continuing its long-term programme of upgrading venues to modern international standards.
The Karachi project forms part of the PCB’s broader investment in improving facilities for players, officials and spectators, while the Board also allocated funding to make 12 additional cricket grounds operational across the country.
Further investment was approved for the installation of a biomechanics machine at the High Performance Centre in Lahore, strengthening the PCB’s sports science capabilities, while the minimum monthly salary for regional ground staff was increased to PKR 42,000 (approx. US$151) as part of wider efforts to improve operational standards across domestic cricket.
Taken together, the decisions signal a broader strategy extending beyond the PSL. By combining structural reforms for its flagship T20 competition with increased spending on domestic cricket, infrastructure, women’s competitions, player welfare and high-performance resources, the PCB has outlined a wider investment plan ahead of the 2026-27 season.
