PCB Sparks Controversy with Pay Disparity: International Stars Get Boost, Domestic Cricketers Face Cuts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is under scrutiny following a decision to increase salaries for international players while simultaneously reducing the budget for domestic cricketers. This move comes after Pakistan's underwhelming performances in recent international tournaments.

The PCB's Board of Governors approved a 37% pay raise for centrally contracted international players for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The annual budget has been increased to PKR 1,173.49 million (approximately INR 35.41 crore).

Pakistan's recent performances in international tournaments have been disappointing.

Key Changes in Player Contracts

• The number of centrally contracted men’s international players will increase from 25 to 30.
• The domestic circuit faces a budget cut of nearly 34%, from PKR 684 million (Rs 20.52 crore) to PKR 450 million (Rs 13.5 crore).
• The number of centrally contracted women players has increased from 16 to 24.
• The women’s domestic cricket budget has seen a modest increase of 4%, now totaling PKR 37.2 million (Rs 1.116 crore).

According to PTI, an unnamed source stated that the budget for domestic player contracts has been reduced by nearly 34%.

This decision is particularly noteworthy given Pakistan’s recent performances. The men’s team failed to advance beyond the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Additionally, they suffered a 0-2 Test series defeat to Bangladesh and drew 1-1 with the West Indies at home.

Infrastructure Investments

The PCB has also decided to take over the management of 12 first-class venues, assuming responsibility for pitch preparation and maintenance, allocating PKR 93.6 million (Rs 2.808 crore) to this end.

The board will spend an additional PKR 6 billion to continue infrastructure upgrades at three major venues: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This follows the PKR 18 billion allocated in the previous fiscal year for the same purpose.