The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to review the central contracts of all players, including captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, after the team’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2024.
The players may face salary cuts as a result. Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament has led to widespread criticism, and the PCB is under pressure to take action. The review of central contracts is seen as a measure to hold players accountable for their performance. The decision could have significant implications for the players’ financial compensation and their future with the national team.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering a major overhaul of its central contracts, which could result in significant pay cuts for top players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The decision comes after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage.According to a reliable source, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been advised by officials and former players to reassess the central contracts handed out during his predecessor Zaka Ashraf’s tenure.
The source stated that the players’ salaries and fees could be cut if the Chairman decides to take strong action against the team’s poor performances.Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup marks the third time in nine editions that they have failed to progress beyond the group stage. The team has struggled in recent tournaments, including the Asia Cup and World Cup (50 overs) last year, and also drew a series against a weakened New Zealand team and lost a T20I to Ireland.
The PCB had previously announced a significant increase in player earnings and a fixed share of revenue from ICC earnings, but the recent poor performances have led to a reevaluation of the contracts. The source emphasized that nothing is final yet, but the measure has been discussed within the board and with the Chairman.The potential pay cuts would be a significant blow to the players, who have been among the highest-paid cricketers in the world. Babar Azam, in particular, has been under scrutiny for his leadership and form, and a pay cut would add to the pressure he is already facing.
The PCB’s decision is seen as a attempt to hold players accountable for their performances and to ensure that they are incentivized to improve their game. However, it remains to be seen how the players will react to the potential pay cuts and whether it will have the desired effect on their performances.
Prior to the World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, Naqvi had personally declared that every player would receive a bonus payment of USD 100,000 in the event that they won the competition.
