Pakistan’s cricket stars are in for a game-changing enhance with the introduction of latest central contracts. Negotiations regarding their participation in abroad T20 leagues are ongoing, however regardless, prime gamers like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi may earn a staggering PKR 4.5 million (approx. USD 15,900) month-to-month as a retainer, marking a fourfold improve in comparison with the earlier yr’s top-tier contracts.
The brand new contracts are set to cast off final yr’s division between red- and white-ball gamers, returning to 4 totally different participant classes. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, as captain and cross-format stars, will probably be in class A.
Class B gamers are in line to obtain round PKR 3 million (approx. USD 10,600), whereas classes C and D will get between PKR 0.75-1.5 million (approx. USD 2,650-5,300).
The general improve is substantial, significantly for the highest class. It additionally comes simply earlier than the ICC’s new income distribution mannequin will get in place subsequent yr, with the PCB’s annual earnings anticipated to exceed PKR 9.6 billion (approx. USD 34 million), greater than twice the earlier ICC rights cycle.
This increment is a game-changer for gamers who’ve been among the many lowest-paid brackets internationally. Their restricted participation in overseas T20 leagues, because of restrictive insurance policies, has additional exacerbated their earnings.
The variety of leagues Pakistani gamers will probably be allowed to take part in subsequent yr remains to be below negotiation, with gamers within the prime two classes set to be allowed one league outdoors the PSL, and people within the decrease classes doubtlessly taking part in a number of leagues.
The PCB acknowledges the importance of those leagues, recognizing that gamers not concerned are lacking out on life-changing earnings. Senior gamers in demand on the league circuit may make two to 3 occasions extra per yr from league offers in comparison with their present revenue.
Moreover, the PCB plans to deal with the league circuit as a separate 12-month calendar, accommodating gamers’ commitments accordingly.
