Pakistan Cricket Board Increases International Player Funding Amid Domestic Salary Cuts
PCB Allocates More Funds for International Cricketers
In a surprising decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has redirected funds from domestic cricket to significantly boost the financial support for its centrally contracted international players for the fiscal year 2024-25.
Reports indicate that players with international contracts will see a substantial salary increase of 37%. Additionally, the number of players receiving central contracts in the men's category has risen from 25 to 30.
According to sources, the PCB's Board of Governors approved this budget increase after revealing an annual budget of PKR 1,173.49 million (approximately INR 35.41 crore).
However, this decision has adversely affected domestic players, whose salaries have been slashed by an alarming 34%. A source close to the situation stated,
“The budget for contracts awarded to domestic players has been reduced by nearly 34 percent.”
For female cricketers, the budget has seen a modest increase of 4%, bringing it to PKR 37.2 million (INR 1.116 crore). The number of centrally contracted female players has expanded from 16 to 24.
Concerns Over PCB's Financial Priorities
The PCB's decision to cut domestic player salaries to fund international contracts has raised eyebrows, highlighting a potential neglect of the grassroots level of the sport. This move comes in the wake of disappointing performances in major ICC tournaments, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy 2025, as well as a 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh.
In addition to player salaries, the PCB has allocated PKR 93.6 million (approximately Rs 2.808 crore) for the renovation and upkeep of cricket fields, which includes 12 first-class venues. This funding aims to enhance pitch preparations and provide top-notch facilities for visiting teams.
Prior to the Champions Trophy, the ICC granted a significant amount to the PCB for upgrading three major stadiums: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The PCB has earmarked PKR 6 billion for this purpose, in addition to the PKR 18 billion allocated in the previous fiscal year.