Introduction
The recent poor performance of the Pakistan cricket team has sparked a wave of criticism from fans, former players, and analysts alike. While the Green Shirts have struggled across all three formats of the game, fresh revelations about hefty player compensation packages have further fueled public outrage.
This year could mark the last time national cricketers receive a 3% share of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) revenue from the International Cricket Council (ICC) under their central contracts—a controversial clause that was introduced two years ago.
Background: The ICC Revenue Share Agreement
Two years ago, under pressure from senior players, the PCB agreed for the first time in its history to allocate 3% of its ICC income to be distributed among centrally contracted cricketers. The arrangement was a landmark in Pakistan cricket but was also met with skepticism from some quarters who argued that such bonuses were excessive given the inconsistent performances of the team.
Now, amid legal complexities and growing dissatisfaction with the team’s results, the PCB is signaling that this ICC share payout may be scrapped from future central contracts.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s Budget Adjustments
Despite the team’s struggles, the PCB has actually increased its retainer budget by 37%—from Rs 854.49 million to Rs 1,173.49 million (an increase of Rs 319 million). This hike gives the impression that player payments are set to rise, even though match fees and monthly salaries for the 2025–26 season will remain unchanged compared to the previous term.
Pakistan’s Recent Performance: A Statistical Breakdown
The last year has been one of the most underwhelming in recent memory for Pakistan cricket. Across formats, the team has shown inconsistency and vulnerability even against lower-ranked sides.
- Test Cricket: Won 1 out of 3 matches.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): Won only 2 out of 11 matches.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Won 7 out of 14 matches and lost the remaining 7.
The low points include:
- Losing a T20I series 1–2 to Bangladesh, ranked 10th at the time.
- Losing an ODI series 1–2 to the West Indies, who were also ranked 10th at the start of the series but jumped to 9th after defeating Pakistan.
As a result:
- Pakistan is now ranked 8th in T20Is.
- Ranked 5th in ODIs and Tests—a drop that has angered supporters and alarmed the PCB.
Fan Frustration and PCB’s Displeasure
For a cricket-loving nation like Pakistan, losing to so-called “novice opponents” is a bitter pill to swallow. Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, while former cricketers have criticized the team’s mindset, preparation, and selection policies.
The PCB, meanwhile, is also unhappy with the lack of results. The board’s investment in player salaries, allowances, and bonuses has not translated into consistent match-winning performances.
Logo Sponsorship Payments: A Sticking Point
Adding to the controversy, players have reportedly not been paid for months for the sponsor logos displayed on their match shirts.
According to the central contract:
- Every player representing Pakistan in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is entitled to a share of the sponsorship income from the team logo.
- Payments are to be made at the end of each series.
However, PCB officials argue that no other cricket board in the world pays cricketers separately for the logo on their shirts. While the current agreement obligates these payments, some insiders suggest that future contracts may remove this clause altogether.
PCB’s Justification and Payment Structure
A PCB source has clarified that additional income from other sources is already merged into the central contract payments, and players will continue receiving the total sum in the same manner.
Despite the stagnant match fees and monthly salaries for the upcoming term, the PCB’s increased retainer budget indicates that the overall financial commitment to players remains substantial.
Breakdown of Player Earnings Under the Central Contract
Match Fees (Unchanged for 2025–26)
- Test Match: Rs 1,257,795
- ODI: Rs 644,620
- T20I: Rs 418,584
Category A Players
- Monthly Retainer: Rs 4.5 million
- ICC 3% Share: Rs 2,070,000 per month
- Total Monthly Income: Rs 6,570,000
Category B Players
- Monthly Retainer: Rs 3 million
- ICC 3% Share: Rs 1,552,500
- Total Monthly Income: Rs 4,552,500
Category C Players
- Monthly Retainer: Rs 1 million
- ICC 3% Share: Rs 1,035,000
- Total Monthly Income: Rs 2,035,000
Category D Players
- Monthly Retainer: Rs 750,000
- ICC 3% Share: Rs 517,500
- Total Monthly Income: Rs 1,267,500
Increase in the Number of Centrally Contracted Players
Last year, 25 players were awarded central contracts. For the upcoming term, the PCB plans to increase this number by 5, bringing it to a total of 30 contracted players. The announcement of the new central contracts is expected within this month.
The Debate Over Performance vs. Pay
The contrast between high player earnings and poor team results is at the heart of the public debate. Critics argue that large salaries and ICC bonuses should be performance-linked rather than guaranteed.
Some experts suggest:
- Introducing incentive-based contracts, where match fees and bonuses increase with victories, series wins, and ranking improvements.
- Reducing the ICC share to reallocate funds toward domestic cricket infrastructure and player development.
Comparison with Other Cricket Boards
A look at other cricket nations reveals differences in payment structures:
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offers high salaries but ties player selection and retention to performance.
- Cricket Australia uses a revenue-sharing model but with strict performance clauses.
- The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) focuses heavily on central contracts but invests equally in grassroots cricket.
Critics say that without similar performance clauses, Pakistan’s central contract system risks rewarding mediocrity.
Impact on Player Motivation
Some analysts believe that guaranteed high salaries can lead to complacency. When players know that their income is secure regardless of match results, the urgency to perform may diminish.
Former players have called for greater accountability, suggesting that the PCB introduce clauses where underperforming players can be demoted to lower categories or lose central contracts altogether.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pakistan’s Central Contracts
The upcoming 2025–26 central contracts will be closely watched. Key expectations include:
- A possible removal of the 3% ICC share from player earnings.
- The inclusion of performance-based incentives.
- A potential re-evaluation of logo sponsorship payments.
With the team struggling on the field and facing increasing competition from rising cricket nations, the PCB is under pressure to ensure that financial rewards align with national pride and results.
Conclusion
The Pakistan cricket team’s declining performances across all formats have thrown a harsh spotlight on the generous central contracts enjoyed by its players. While the PCB has increased its retainer budget by 37%, the lack of recent success—especially against lower-ranked opponents—has left many questioning whether the current payment structure is sustainable or justified.
As the board prepares to announce the new central contracts, the cricketing community will be watching to see if the PCB takes a tougher stance, linking player compensation more directly to performance, accountability, and national expectations.
