The ”Pakistan Cricket Board” (PCB) has Initiated Discussions for the Upcoming 2025”26 central Contracts
Signaling potential changes in player Compensation, Contract structures, and performance evaluation metrics.. This move follows the conclusion of the previous three-year agreement that Spanned from July 2023 to June 2026.
What Were the Previous Central Contracts?
In September 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) introduced a new three-year contract system for players. They combined red-ball (Test) and white-ball (ODI and T20) formats into one contract to make things fair and clear. The players were divided into four groups, and each group got a big increase in their monthly salary.
- Category A: ”Babar Azam” Mohammad Rizwan” and Shaheen Shah Afridi received a 202% Increase in monthly retainers..
- Category B: ”Fakhar Zaman” Haris Rauf” Imam-ul-Haq” Mohammad Nawaz” Naseem Shah” and Shadab Khan” saw a 144% increase.
- Category C: ”Imad Wasim” and Abdullah Shafique experienced a 135% rise.
- Category D: Fourteen players, including ”Faheem Ashraf” and ”Hasan Ali” received a 127% boost.
Additionally, ”Match fees were increased by 50% for Tests, 25% for ODIs, and 12.5% for T20Is.
Proposed Changes For 2025–26 Contracts
As The PCB reviews the Central Contracts; Several Key Changes Are under consideration:
1- Going Back to One-Year Contracts
The PCB is thinking about bringing back the old system of giving players one-year contracts. This means players will be judged on how well they perform each year. The goal is to encourage players to stay in good form throughout the year.
2- Adjustments in Player Categories
Performance Assessments may lead to Reclassification of players:
Promotions: Fast bowler ”Naseem Shah” is expected to be ”Elevated to Category A, reflecting his rising stature and consistent performances..
Demotions: All-rounder ”Shadab Khan” May face a Downgrade due to recent form and fitness concerns..
These Adjustments Underscore the ”PCB’s commitment To rewarding merit and current form.
3 – Financial Revisions“
While the Previous contracts offered Substantial’ pay hikes, the ”PCB is now reviewing the financial Model to Ensure sustainability:
Category ”A”: Players ”Currently Earn” approximately PKR 6.1 million per month. Proposals suggest reducing this to PKR 4.5 million..
Other Categories:: Similar reductions are being considered across other categories to align with budgetary constraints..
These proposed changes aim to balance player remuneration with the board’s financial health.
4- Enhanced Performance Monitoring:
The PCB Plans to ”Implement” stricter Performance and Fitness evaluations:
Regular Assessments: Player fitness will be ”monitored quarterly ”to ensure peak physical condition…
Discipline Enforcement;: A zero-tolerance policy for Indiscipline is being emphasized, with Potential penalties for non-compliance..
Young Players And New Opportunities:
In the Last round of contracts” the PCB added Five young And promising players to the central contract list:;
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Ali
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Usman Khan
These players were Put in Category ”D” showing that the PCB wants to support and develop new talent for The future.
As ”Discussions” Progress More emerging players may be considered for inclusion, aligning With the Board’s vision for long term team development..