Key Takeaways
- PCB proposes central contracts for 2026-27 season, with top players earning Rs. 80 million to Rs. 90 million annually.
- Monthly retainers and match fees will total Rs. 1.1 billion, with varying amounts for different categories.
- Overseas leagues offer significantly higher earnings, with some players making Rs. 200 million annually.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed central contracts for the 2026-27 season, which could see top Pakistani cricketers earning annual salaries of Rs. 80 million to Rs. 90 million, including monthly retainers and match fees.
According to sources cited by The Express Tribune, the PCB has allocated Rs. 1.1 billion for players' monthly retainers and match fees, covering the period from July 2026 to June 2027.
The highest proposed monthly retainer is Rs. 4.8 million for players in the first tier of Category AB, equivalent to Rs. 57.6 million annually before match fees and other payments.
Category A Test specialists would receive Rs. 4 million or Rs. 3.6 million per month, while Category BC players would earn Rs. 3.4 million or Rs. 2.6 million monthly. T20 specialists would receive Rs. 2.6 million or Rs. 2 million, and Category D players would receive Rs. 1 million per month.
Proposed match fees vary by category and format. Category A players would receive Rs. 1.5 million per Test, Rs. 650,000 per One-Day International (ODI), and Rs. 450,000 per T20 International. Category AB players would earn Rs. 1.5 million per Test, Rs. 750,000 per ODI, and Rs. 500,000 per T20 International.
Category BC players would receive Rs. 900,000 per Test and the same white-ball match fees as Category AB. Category C players would earn Rs. 700,000 per Test and Rs. 500,000 per ODI or T20 International.
Overseas leagues could offer significantly higher earnings, with some cricketers making Rs. 200 million to Rs. 220 million annually. Saim Ayub reportedly earned Rs. 126 million in a single Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
These earning opportunities have reportedly encouraged several cricketers to seek Category C status, which would allow greater freedom to obtain NOCs for overseas competitions. However, the PCB retains the final say on player categories and overseas participation rules.
