PCB and Players Reach Resolution on Central Contracts Dispute

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and members of the national men’s cricket team have successfully come to an agreement to resolve their recent dispute surrounding central contracts for cricketers. While an official announcement from the PCB is still pending, sources have revealed that disagreements had arisen between players and the board regarding specific provisions within their central contracts.

Media reports have indicated that the dispute has been amicably settled through mutual understanding, with Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq playing a pivotal role in facilitating the resolution.

The PCB is expected to make an official announcement regarding the new central contracts in the near future, according to reports from Geo.

Ongoing Contract Negotiations and Optimism from Captain Babar Azam

During a press briefing held earlier today, Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, offered insights into the ongoing contract negotiations, expressing hope for a positive outcome. He stated, “As far as the contracts are concerned, they are still being negotiated, but we are hopeful they will work out as the PCB always has our interests at heart.”

Contract Details and Categories

It’s important to note that the previous central contracts had expired on June 30, leading to a one-month extension to finalize new terms. Outstanding payments owed to the cricketers will be settled in accordance with the updated terms and conditions outlined in the new contract.

The PCB had previously announced the discontinuation of the red and white ball category from the central contracts. Instead, the new contracts will be categorized as A, B, C, and D, with varying compensation levels for the players. The board has also decided to reduce the number of players included in the central contract from 33 to 25 or 26.

Under these new agreements, players can anticipate a significant increase of approximately 50 percent in their match fees.

Notably, star players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are among those included in category A, earning a monthly retainer of Rs4.5 million, a substantial increase compared to the previous year. Category B players will receive around Rs3 million, while those in categories C and D can expect payments ranging from Rs0.75 million to Rs1.5 million.

Pakistan Gears Up for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

In cricket-related news, the Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to depart for India early Wednesday morning to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The tournament will feature a round-robin format, with all participating teams competing in 45 league matches.

Pakistan’s warm-up matches are scheduled as follows:

• September 29 – vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 – vs Australia in Hyderabad

The main round matches for Pakistan are scheduled as follows:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

Day matches will commence at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

In case Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, the match will be held in Kolkata. However, if India qualifies for the semi-finals and faces Pakistan, the match will be played in Kolkata.

The Pakistan squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 includes: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha.

Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of Pakistan’s journey in the World Cup and updates on the central contract situation as the PCB makes its official announcement.