Top Pakistan cricketers offered lucrative contracts

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The Pakistan Cricket Board is all set to provide a significant increase in remuneration to its players, recognizing their talent and dedication to the sport.

In a recent interview with Cricket Pakistan, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, revealed the board's intention to open their coffers for cricketers, as he believes the board runs because of the cricketers.

The top cricketers from all three formats, including skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have been offered a remarkable monthly retainership fee PKR 4.5 million each. This marks a substantial increase from the previous contract, where red-ball players were receiving 1.1 million rupees per month, and white-ball players were getting 0.95 million rupees.

Furthermore, the PCB has taken player demands into consideration and is prepared to raise the remuneration in other categories as well. The board aims to ensure that the cricketers are well-rewarded for their skills and efforts, leading to enhanced performance and dedication to the national team.

In addition to this, the PCB is also offering more flexibility to players for participating in international leagues. A-category cricketers will be allowed to join one T20 league per year, while B-category cricketers can participate in two leagues annually. Category C cricketers will have the opportunity to take part in three leagues per year.

Although the demand for revenue-sharing from ICC or PCB contracts was not accepted, the board is looking to establish stability by offering three-year contracts to players. 

This move aims to avoid any potential disputes that may arise during annual renewals, allowing both players and the PCB to focus on the game.

It has been suggested to implement a notable rise in Test match fees as a means to maintain players' enthusiasm and engagement in this particular format. 

Officials are well aware of the fact that due to non-participation in the IPL (Indian Premier League), Pakistani cricketers are not earning as much as other top stars in the world. A 100% exemption may not be possible, but the board desires to provide them with a substantial amount that brings financial comfort.

The head of the Cricket Technical Committee, Misbah-ul-Haq, is actively communicating with the players, and there is optimism that positive progress will be made soon.