The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the lucrative monthly salaries for the nation’s top men’s cricketers, reflecting substantial increases across all categories in the updated central contracts. This move underscores the PCB’s commitment to rewarding top performers and retaining their services amid the global T20 league offers.
Category A: Elite Earnings
At the top of the pay scale are Pakistan’s elite cricketers, including skipper Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. These stars now earn an impressive PKR 4.5 million per month, marking a staggering 200% raise from their previous salaries. This significant increase highlights the PCB’s efforts to align player compensation with international standards.
Category B: Significant Increases
Players in ‘Category B’ such as Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and young pace sensation Naseem Shah, also benefit from the updated contracts. Their monthly salaries have risen to PKR 3 million, representing a 144% jump. This tier ensures that emerging talents and consistent performers are adequately rewarded.
Categories C and D: Appreciable Hikes
Even those in the lower tiers, ‘Category C’ and ‘Category D’, are seeing appreciable salary hikes. Experienced campaigners like Imad Wasim and Iftikhar Ahmed now earn between PKR 750,000 to PKR 1.5 million per month, an increase of 127-135%. This move ensures that all contracted players are compensated fairly, fostering a more motivated and committed squad.
Comprehensive Compensation Package
The updated central contracts, announced last September, not only include substantial retainers but also provide match fees across all three formats and performance-based bonuses. This comprehensive package aims to boost player morale and performance, addressing previous concerns over player compensation compared to international benchmarks and domestic T20 leagues.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Campaign
As the PCB announces these lucrative salaries, Pakistan’s cricket team is battling in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held in the West Indies and USA. Facing a do-or-die situation, Babar Azam and his team have lost their first two games against the USA and India. They are now up against Canada in their third league game, needing a win to stay in contention for the Super Eight round.
The PCB’s strategic pay hikes come at a crucial time, aiming to ensure player focus and commitment as they represent Pakistan on the world stage.