PCB announces significant hike in contracts of 191 domestic cricketers

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Wednesday (September 15), announced an increment in the retainers of the domestic players’ contracts for the upcoming 2021-22 season. The newly-appointed board chairman Ramiz Raja confirmed the list of 191 cricketers who will be offered enhanced packages for the domestic season to be played from September 15, 2021 to March 30, 2022.

The players have been divided in 5 categories – A+, A, B, C, and D. 10 players in the top category (A+) will now earn PKR 5 million annually while the cricketers in A and B category (40 players each) will be getting PKR 4.25 million and PKR 4.17 million respectively. 64 players have been slotted in category C and remaining 37 players are part of the D category.

“The retainers are in addition to the match fees, daily allowances, share in prize moneys and PCB-arranged lodging, boarding and traveling the domestic cricketers will receive during the six-and-a-half months of cricket,” PCB said in a press release.

It is the duty of PCB to look after cricketers, Ramiz Raja

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja highlighted the importance of paying a good amount to the domestic cricketers. He also felt that it is the board’s responsibility to look after the cricketers in the country and also upgrade their skills at the same time.

“It is extremely important that our domestic cricketers are paid well-enough so they continue to focus on upgrading their skills and fitness levels without worrying about how they have to take care of their families, loved ones and careers. It is duty of Pakistan Cricket Board to look after the cricketers in the country and I am very happy to announce this move.

“The significant increase in salaries, which I am hopeful will improve further in future, strengthens our current domestic system and removes ambiguities surrounding the welfare and sound earning opportunities for our cricketers who can adopt first-class cricket as a career,” Ramiz said.