Pakistan players reportedly refuse to sign PCB's new central contract citing low pay

Pakistan (Source: Twitter)

With the proliferation of franchise cricket leagues, cricketers all over the world are now earning handsomely. Cricket governing bodies are also paying their players well in the modern era, but this doesn't seem to be the case in Pakistan cricket. According to reports, many Pakistan senior players are unhappy with the upcoming central contracts offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and have refused to sign the contract.

Recently, Pakistan cricket has always been in the news of controversies and this time they are caught up in a problem within their own family. The players are not happy with the new pay scale and the Babar Azam-led squad will reportedly hold talks with the new PCB chief Zaka Ashraf after they return from the tour to Sri Lanka on July 28.

Notably, the controversy emerges after Pakistan A won the 2023 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup on Sunday, defeating India A by 128 runs in the final. The senior men's team is also performing well in the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. They won the first match by four wickets and now have the upper hand in the series decider after grabbing a 12-run lead in the first innings.

Players to seek insurance for themselves and their families

During the meeting with the PCB chairman, the players are likely to discuss salary hike and seek insurance for themselves and their families. The report also states that players would demand educational policies for their children and financial shares from major international tournaments. Another key issue they would address is the board's approval of No Objection Certificates for participation in other franchise leagues across the globe.

If reports are to be believed, Babar Azam and Co. flew to Sri Lanka despite not being in a contract as it expired on June 30. However, their impressive win in the first Test has put them at the top of the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship (WTC) points table. After being asked to field first in the second innings, the Men in Green restricted Sri Lanka to 166. In reply, Pakistan are 178-2 at the end of Day 2's play, with Abdullah Shafique (87 off 131) and Babar (28 off 49) at the crease.