PCB unveils three-year central contracts for men featuring substantial salary increases for players

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully concluded a three-year central contracts deal with senior players of the men's national team, resolving longstanding issues. Effective from July 1, 2026, the new contracts merge red-ball and white-ball formats, emphasizing fairness and transparency in player evaluation and selection. The contract committee will categorize players into four groups, offering significant increases in monthly retainers.

The Apex Cricket Council’s revenue will contribute to overall monthly remuneration. Notably, players' match fees see substantial hikes, with a 50% increase in Tests, 25% in ODIs, and 12.5% in T20Is. Additionally, centrally contracted players participating in domestic cricket receive 50% of the international match fee.

Players can now play two foreign leagues yearly; fixed financial model, annual performance reviews mandated. The agreement signifies a positive step forward for Pakistan cricket, promoting player welfare and performance incentives.

Pakistan team contract renewed (Source: Twitter)

The following is a list of categories for which contracts are being offered:

1.Category A: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi

2.Category B: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan

3.Category C: Abdullah Shafique and Imad Wasim

and last Category D: Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan

It is a historic deal: Babar Azam

The historic agreement between players and PCB, overseen by Chairman Zaka Ashraf, marks a new chapter in players' careers and Pakistan cricket. Lengthy but fair negotiations reflect mutual commitment. The agreement has generated satisfaction and enthusiasm, especially in anticipation of the ODI World Cup 2023.

"It is a historic deal. I am extremely happy and satisfied that we have reached an agreement with the PCB. It has been a lengthy and, at times, challenging negotiation process, but I believe we have reached a fair and beneficial agreement for both parties. This agreement signifies a new chapter in players’ careers and in Pakistan cricket. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all players towards the game and now we are all geared up ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup," Babar said.