Islamabad, Mar 11 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant reductions to the match fees and facilities of domestic cricketers, according to sources.
The move comes despite the board’s recent multimillion-rupee investments in stadium renovations in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
A media report revealed that the the cricket board has slashed match fees for players participating in the upcoming National T20 Championship.
Previously set at 100,000 Pakistani rupees per match, the fee has now been reduced to just 10,000 rupees, with reserve players receiving only 5,000 rupees per match.
The tournament, which is scheduled to begin on March 14, will feature domestic players in these new conditions.
Further details from the report suggest that Abdullah Khurrum Niazi, head of domestic cricket at the PCB, has also cut down on player accommodations and travel.
Players who were once offered stays at five-star and four-star hotels are now being provided with more affordable lodging. Additionally, air travel arrangements for the players have been minimized.
Meanwhile, there are still pending payments from the previous season for both players and umpires.
The board has also failed to implement the annual pension increase for former Test cricketers, as stipulated by its own policies. In contrast, administrators within the PCB are reportedly continuing to receive high salaries.
While the board has been making cost cuts, hefty salaries have been allotted to national selectors and mentors associated with the recent Champions Cup.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq are reportedly earning around PKR 5 million per month on two-year contracts.
The PCB is also awaiting formal clarification from the ICC regarding the absence of a Pakistani representative at the Champions Trophy closing ceremony, following a formal complaint filed with the global cricket governing body.
