PCB Approves Higher Match Fees for Pakistan Cricketers in 2026-27 Budget
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved a significant increase in match fees for Pakistan’s national cricketers as part of its financial and contractual plans for the 2026-27 season.
The decision was made during a meeting of the PCB Board of Governors, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, where members also approved the board’s surplus budget for the upcoming financial year.
National Players to Receive Higher Match Fees
Under the revised payment structure, players representing Pakistan in international cricket will receive increased match fees across all formats.
The new match fees are:
- Test Match: Rs. 1.5 million per match
- One-Day International (ODI): Rs. 650,000 per match
- T20 International (T20I): Rs. 450,000 per match
The revised payments are part of the PCB’s updated central contract system aimed at strengthening player compensation.
New Central Contract Structure
The PCB has also approved a revised central contract model with different player categories.
According to the new structure:
- Category A players involved in Test and ODI cricket will receive up to Rs. 1.5 million per Test, Rs. 750,000 per ODI, and Rs. 650,000 per T20I.
- Category B players will receive Rs. 750,000 per ODI and Rs. 500,000 per T20I.
- Category C, primarily consisting of T20 specialists, will receive Rs. 500,000 per match, including ODIs if selected.
Domestic Cricket Receives Major Boost
The PCB also announced a substantial increase in funding for domestic cricket.
The domestic cricket budget has been raised from Rs. 3 billion to Rs. 4 billion to further strengthen Pakistan’s cricket structure.
In addition, match fees for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy have been significantly increased:
- Playing XI match fee increased from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 100,000
- Reserve players’ fee increased from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 50,000
PSL and Women’s Cricket
The Board of Governors also approved:
- Administrative and financial independence for the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- Budget allocation for PSL Season 12
- Funding for women’s ODI and T20 domestic tournaments
These measures are expected to support the continued growth of both men’s and women’s cricket in Pakistan.
Infrastructure Development
The PCB has allocated Rs. 6.7 billion for infrastructure projects across the country.
The approved funds will be used for:
- Upgrading the National Stadium and other cricket venues
- Making 12 additional cricket grounds operational
- Installing a modern biomechanics machine at the High Performance Centre in Lahore to improve player development
Ground Staff Salary Increased
In another important decision, the PCB approved a minimum monthly salary of Rs. 42,000 for regional ground staff, reflecting the board’s focus on improving support services across domestic cricket.
