In a surprising financial move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has significantly increased salaries for centrally contracted national players, while cutting domestic cricketers’ salaries by nearly 34%. The decision was approved by the Board of Governors as part of the PCB’s newly finalized annual budget for 2025.
37% Salary Increase for National Team Players
While Pakistan’s men’s team has faced criticism for underwhelming performances on the global stage, the PCB has chosen to reward its senior players with a 37% salary hike. Additionally, the board has expanded the pool of centrally contracted players from 25 to 30, signaling further investment in the current national squad despite their recent setbacks.
Domestic Cricket Takes the Hit
On the flip side, domestic cricket has suffered a major financial blow. The PCB has reduced the contract budget for domestic players from 684 million PKR to just 450 million PKR. This roughly 34% cut raises concerns about the board’s priorities, especially considering domestic cricket’s role in grooming future talent.
Performance Doesn’t Justify the Pay
The decision has drawn heavy criticism as it comes on the heels of a string of failures by the national team:
- Failed to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup knockout stage
- Suffered defeats to USA and Ireland before the tournament
- Crashed out early from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, hosted at home
- Lost a Test series to Bangladesh and drew a home series against West Indies
Critics Slam PCB’s “Misplaced Rewards”
Many in the cricketing fraternity have questioned the logic behind rewarding a consistently underperforming national team, while simultaneously undermining the very domestic structure that showed signs of progress.
Observers believe the PCB’s move may further demoralize aspiring domestic cricketers, while sending the wrong message about merit-based growth in the national setup.
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