The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the new domestic season with significant changes to the central contract system.
In the previous season, PCB had provided central contracts to 360 players, but this number has been cut down to 150 players who will participate in all three formats of the Champions Cup. Players who participate outside of the Champions Cup will not be eligible for a central contract.
Despite the reduction in the number of contracts, the PCB has increased the central contract salaries, match fees, and the number of matches. Category 1 players will now receive Rs 550,000 per month, Category 2 players Rs 400,000, and Category 3 players Rs 250,000.
This marks a significant increase from last season, where A Plus to F category players earned between Rs 300,000 and Rs 50,000 per month.
The number of categories has also been streamlined from seven to three, with 40 players in Category 1, 50 in Category 2, and 60 in Category 3. Match fees for domestic cricket have also seen an upward revision.
Red ball cricket players will now receive Rs 200,000 per match, ODI players Rs 125,000, and T20 players Rs100,000. Last season, the match fees for red and white ball cricket were Rs80,000 and Rs40,000 respectively.
The PCB claims that the restoration of departmental cricket will ensure that players do not face significant financial losses despite the reduction in central contracts.
