PCB Faces Backlash: International Player Pay Hikes Coincide with Domestic Contract Cuts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing criticism following a decision to increase salaries for international players while simultaneously reducing the budget for domestic contracts. This move comes after a string of disappointing performances by the Pakistani team in major international tournaments.

The PCB's Board of Governors approved a 37% pay raise for centrally contracted international players for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The decision was part of the new annual budget, which has been increased to PKR 1,173.49 million (approximately INR 35.41 crore).

Pakistan have been disappointing in recent ICC tournaments. (PCB Photo)

Key Changes in PCB's Budget Allocation:

• Increase in International Contracts: The number of centrally contracted men’s international players will rise from 25 to 30.
• Domestic Budget Cuts: The domestic circuit faces a significant setback, with the contract budget slashed by nearly 34 per cent—from PKR 684 million (Rs 20.52 crore) to PKR 450 million (Rs 13.5 crore).
• Boost for Women's Cricket: The number of centrally contracted women players has increased from 16 to 24. The women’s domestic cricket budget has seen a modest increase of four per cent, now totalling PKR 37.2 million (Rs 1.116 crore).

An unnamed source revealed to PTI, "The budget for the contracts awarded to domestic players had been reduced by nearly 34 per cent."

Performance Concerns and Financial Decisions

The PCB’s decision has sparked debate, especially considering the Pakistan cricket team's underwhelming performances in recent international competitions. The team failed to advance beyond the group stage in both the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy 2025. Furthermore, Pakistan suffered a 0-2 Test series defeat against Bangladesh and drew 1-1 with the West Indies on home soil.

Infrastructure Investments

In other developments, the PCB has decided to assume management of 12 first-class venues, taking charge of pitch preparation and maintenance. The board has allocated PKR 93.6 million (Rs 2.808 crore) for this purpose.

The PCB will also invest an additional PKR 6 billion to continue upgrading infrastructure at three major venues: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This follows a previous allocation of PKR 18 billion in the prior fiscal year for the same initiative.