Islamabad, March 13, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to review its contentious move to reduce match fees for players and reserves in the National T20 Cup, following widespread backlash from the cricketing community.
According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed officials to reverse the fee cuts, restoring payments to their previous levels.
Initially, the board had slashed fees by 75%, lowering them to PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 35) per match for players and PKR 5,000 for reserves.
The decision had sparked criticism, with many questioning whether financial struggles had prompted the PCB’s move.
However, board insiders clarified that the reductions were due to an increased number of domestic tournaments this season, which they claimed would offer players greater earning opportunities.
In response to growing pressure, the PCB is now expected to reinstate match fees to PKR 40,000 per game for players and PKR 20,000 for reserves.
While this represents an improvement, it remains significantly lower than the PKR 60,000 paid during the 2022 edition.
The National T20 Cup is set to commence tomorrow, featuring 39 matches across Faisalabad, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Multan Cricket Stadium.
The opening fixtures will take place at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, where emerging cricketers will showcase their talent in the shortest format. The final is scheduled for March 27 in Faisalabad.
Despite the revised fees, several leading Pakistani cricketers will be absent from the tournament as they are currently in New Zealand for a series of five T20Is and three ODIs.
The PCB’s reversal has been met with a positive response from players and fans, though concerns persist over the board’s financial management and its impact on domestic cricket.
