The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly approved a significant hike in the salaries of centrally contracted international players, with a 37 per cent increase in pay for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
The decision was ratified by the PCB’s Board of Governors as part of the new annual budget, which has been raised to PKR 1,173.49 million (approximately INR 35.41 crore), according to a report by PTI.
As part of the revised structure, the number of centrally contracted men’s international players will increase from 25 to 30. Meanwhile, the domestic circuit has taken a substantial hit, 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).
“The source said that the budget for the contracts awarded to domestic players had been reduced by nearly 34 per cent,” PTI quoted an unnamed source as saying.
The PCB’s move has drawn attention, especially considering Pakistan’s poor performances in recent international competitions. The men’s team failed to make it to the knockout rounds of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025. Additionally, Pakistan suffered a 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh and was held to a 1-1 draw by the West Indies at home.
On the women's front, the number of centrally contracted players has reportedly 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). Read More
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https://www.indiatoday.in/
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