PCB introduces clauses of heavy fines and bans in central contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced multiple new rules for the players to follow as part of their central contracts for 2022-23. In case the players violate any of the them, they will be subjected to heavy fines and even bans. The senior cricketers, including captain Babar Azam, objected to some of the clauses but have now signed the contracts with some changes after a week.

The players in the lower category did not object to any clauses, but some senior players discussed the matter with their lawyers before signing. Under the new laws, the players will be fined between PKR 25,000 to PKR 1,00,000 in case there is a violation of dress codes in off-field events, while they will be fined PKR 50,000 to PKR 3,00,000 for a violation of the same in training, interviews, and presentation events.

When it comes to commercial activities, the players did object to specific clauses. The rules state that the players will be fined between PKR 2,50,000 to PKR 20,00,000 in case they endorse a product without PCB’s permission. The fine will be increased from PKR 5,00,000 to PKR 50,00,000 and a ban of one to five matches may also be imposed in case it conflicts with any of the board sponsors or partners.

In case the players do not follow the board-approved clothing or conceal sponsor logos in domestic or international matches, they will be fined PKR 1,50,000 and PKR 10,00,000 or a ban of one to five matches. There will be a further addition of a fine of PKR 1,00,000 to PKR 6,00,000 for the use of unauthorized logo on the cricket kit or any part of the equipment in an international or domestic match.

If the players are involved in unethical activities like gambling or match-fixing, a fine of PKR 2,00,000 to PKR 20,00,000 or a ban of one to five matches will be imposed.

Foul language, inappropriate behavior to lead to hefty fines

Meanwhile, disobeying the decisions of the umpires or showing bad behavior, threatening match officials, players or spectators, raising hands, or attempting to do so, will lead to a fine between PKR 5,00,000 to PKR 50,00,000 or banned for three to eight matches.

In case a player uses foul language against any player, match official, PCB official, or fan, there will be a fine of PKR 5,00,000 to PKR 50,00,000 and a ban of one to five matches. In case a player refuses to take a doping or fitness test or disobeys any other order of the PCB, they will be fined PKR 1,50,000 to PKR 10,00,000.

There will be a fine of PKR 7,50,000 to PKR 50,00,000 or a ban for three to eight matches in case there is the use of illegal drugs, distribution or taking unapproved medicine, supplements, etc. from the medical expert of the board. Further, participation in cricket matches without the permission of the board will result in a fine of PKR 5,00,000 to 50,00,000 or a ban of one to five years. A fine of PKR 50,000 to PKR 20,00,000 will be imposed for using a mobile phone in the dressing room or any other prohibited place during a match.