The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing financial scrutiny after implementing cost-cutting measures, notably decreasing match fees for domestic cricketers. This move has sparked concerns about the financial stability of Pakistan’s leading cricket organization.
The match fees for players in the upcoming National T20 Championship have been significantly reduced from 100,000 rupees to 10,000 rupees per match, with reserve players receiving even less at 5,000 rupees. This decision, effective from March 14th, has unsettled players, and there are indications that the PCB may also cut spending on domestic cricket development.
Sources indicate that Abdullah Khurrum Niazi, the head of domestic cricket at PCB, has been diminishing facilities for domestic players in recent months.
According to a source, players who previously enjoyed accommodation in high-end hotels are now being offered cheaper alternatives. Reductions have also been made to air travel arrangements and player fees.
Another source revealed that players and umpires are still awaiting payments from the previous season.
Furthermore, the PCB has yet to implement the annual pension increase for former Test cricketers, a policy mandated by the board.
An insider pointed out the irony of reducing player match fees while officials responsible for these decisions continue to draw substantial monthly salaries.
The PCB is also allocating significant monthly salaries to national selectors and mentors who were recently involved with five teams in the Champions Cup.
It’s reported that mentors like Misbah ul Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq, who are on two-year contracts, are paid approximately 5 million rupees per month.
Simultaneously, the PCB has invested around 1.8 billion rupees in upgrading stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi for the Champions Trophy.
