(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Increases Salaries for Pakistani Cricketers – Big Financial Boost for National and Domestic Players
In a major announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved a significant salary hike for both centrally contracted and domestic cricketers for the 2025–26 season, ensuring better financial security and boosting morale ahead of a busy cricket calendar.
37% Salary Increase for Centrally Contracted Players
The PCB has approved a PKR 18.3 billion budget, allocating PKR 11.74 billion directly for centrally contracted players — a 37% increase compared to the previous year.
The number of contracted players has also been expanded from 25 to 30.
New Monthly Salary Categories (Including ICC Revenue Share)
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Category A (e.g., Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan): Around PKR 4.5 million monthly + ICC revenue share, taking total earnings to approx. PKR 6.57 million.
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Category B (e.g., Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman): Around PKR 3 million monthly + ICC share, total approx. PKR 4.55 million.
Domestic Players Get Record Pay Rise
Domestic cricket salaries and match fees have also seen a major jump:
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Category 1 (40 players): PKR 550,000 per month
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Category 2 (50 players): PKR 400,000 per month
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Category 3 (60 players): PKR 250,000 per month (previously only PKR 50,000 – 300,000)
Increased Match Fees:
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Red Ball: PKR 200,000 per match
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50-Overs: PKR 125,000 per match
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T20: PKR 100,000 per match (previously PKR 80,000 & 40,000)
Impact on Pakistan Cricket
This move is expected to provide greater financial stability for players, encourage competitiveness, and inspire emerging talent. With improved earnings, both star players and regional cricketers will be motivated to perform at their best, helping strengthen Pakistan cricket’s future.
