PCB boosts pay for centrally contracted players amid international struggles
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved a significant salary hike for its centrally contracted men’s players for the 2025–26 season, despite Pakistan’s recent performances on the international stage that were below expectations. As part of the newly approved PKR 18.30 billion budget, the PCB allocated PKR 1,173.49 million to player contracts and retainers — a 37% increase from the previous year, as per a PTI report.
The number of players under central contracts is also being expanded from 25 to 30, further boosting the financial benefits for top-tier cricketers.
This move comes after a string of disappointing results by the national team across formats. Pakistan failed to progress beyond the group stages in both the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, despite hosting the latter. In Tests, the team lost a home series 0-2 to Bangladesh and drew 1-1 against the West Indies.
Domestic players take a financial hit
While top players see salary boosts, domestic cricketers are facing steep cuts. The PCB has slashed the budget for domestic contracts by nearly 34%, reducing it from PKR 684 million to PKR 450 million.
The cutback accompanies a structural overhaul of Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. The Quaid Trophy, Pakistan’s top-tier first-class competition, will now feature only eight teams, down from previous editions. Additionally, the Champions Cup, a short-lived high-profile event introduced last year, has been discontinued.
The financial and structural changes raise concerns about weakening the development pipeline that feeds talent into the national team — at a time when rebuilding is urgently needed.
Women’s cricket sees increased investment
In contrast to the cuts in men’s domestic cricket, the PCB has increased investment in the women’s game. The number of centrally contracted women’s players will rise from 16 to 24, with their total retainer pool increasing by 121% to PKR 69 million. The women’s domestic contracts budget has also grown by 4%, reaching PKR 37.2 million.
Stadium upgrades and ground management overhaul
The new budget also earmarks substantial funds for infrastructure. The PCB has committed an additional PKR 6 billion toward ongoing development projects at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. These projects are part of a broader infrastructure plan that had already received PKR 18 billion in the previous fiscal year.
Additionally, the PCB will take over the management of 12 first-class grounds, including pitch preparation and maintenance, which will now be handled by board-employed staff. A total of PKR 93.6 million has been allocated for this initiative.
