The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized its new central contract system for national cricketers, bringing a significant rise in player salaries and match fees. According to reports, the revised structure will nearly double match fees across formats, making it one of the most lucrative contract upgrades in recent years.

Major Salary Hike Under New Contracts

Under the updated system, players in top categories are expected to benefit the most.

Key highlights include:

• Higher monthly retainers for contracted players

• Increased match fees across all formats

• New performance-based bonuses for ICC and Asia Cup victories

The changes have reportedly been drafted with input from head coach Mike Hesson and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Revised Match Fees (As Reported)

Under the new structure, match fees have seen a sharp rise:

• Test match fee: PKR 1.5 million (earlier PKR 800,000)

• ODI match fee: PKR 7.5 lakh

• T20 match fee: PKR 5 lakh

This represents a substantial increase aimed at improving player motivation and retention.

Annual Salary Structure for Players

Reported annual earnings under central contracts:

• Test players: PKR 4.8 crore

• Test + ODI players: PKR 6 crore

• ODI + T20 players: PKR 2.16 crore

• T20 specialists / league players: PKR 1.18 crore

Category-Wise Monthly Retainers

The PCB has also structured monthly payments based on player categories:

• Category A & B: Up to PKR 5 million per month

• Category B: Around PKR 1.8 million per month

• Category C: Up to PKR 1.5 million per month

Bonus System Introduced

A new performance-based bonus structure has also been introduced:

• 500% bonus for winning ICC tournaments

• 300% bonus for winning Asia-level tournaments

This is expected to significantly boost earnings during major international successes.

Focus on Performance and Incentives

The updated PCB central contract aims to reward consistent performance while also motivating players through high-value bonuses and increased match fees. Officials believe this structure will improve competitiveness and player commitment at the international level.

Conclusion

The new PCB central contract system marks one of the biggest financial upgrades for Pakistani cricketers in recent years. With doubled match fees, higher retainers, and performance bonuses, players are set to earn significantly more in the upcoming season.