The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed a significant three-year central contracts deal for its senior male cricketers, set to run from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. This momentous deal will be offered to 25 cricketers and will include a portion of ICC revenue.
Unlike the previous year, red-ball and white-ball national contracts have been merged, a decision proposed by the central contract committee to evaluate players in terms of winning matches and promote a transparent selection process.
The players will be categorized into four groups, with substantial increases in monthly retainers, incorporating ICC revenue into their overall monthly remuneration:
- Category A (3 players): 202% increase
- Category B (6 players): 144% increase
- Category C (2 players): 135% increase
- Category D (14 players): 127% increase
Here is the list of players, categorized by contracts offered:
- 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 Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan
The players will also witness a significant hike in match fees: 50% increase in Test, 25% in ODI, and 12.5% in T20I.
Centrally contracted players participating in domestic cricket will receive 50% of the international match fee. Furthermore, players will be permitted to play in two foreign leagues each season.
While the financial model of the three-year contracts will be fixed for the term, player performance will be reviewed every 12 months. The new deal will be effective from July 1, 2023, following the expiration of the previous central contract cycle on June 30.
PCB Management Committee Chairperson, Zaka Ashraf, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing the importance of financially securing and motivating the players for success on the field.
Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, referred to the agreement as historic, acknowledging the challenging negotiation process but praising the fair and beneficial outcome for both parties.
Usman Wahla, PCB Director – International Cricket Operations, commended the visionary leadership of PCB’s senior management and the collaborative spirit shown by the players in reaching this monumental central contract deal, recognizing the true value of cricketers both on and off the field.
